Comparative analysis of aluminium surface roughness in end-milling under dry and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) conditions

In this study an experimental investigation of effects of cutting parameters on surface roughness during end milling of aluminium 6061 under dry condition and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) condition were carried out. Spindle speed (N), feed rate (f), axial depth of cut (a) and radial depth of cut (r) were cutting parameters chosen as input variables in the investigation of the surface roughness quality. The experimental design adopted for this study was the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology. Thirty samples were run in a CNC milling machine for each condition and the surface roughness measured using Mitutoyo surface tester. A comparison showing the effects of cutting parameters on the surface roughness for dry and MQL conditions in end-milling of aluminium were evaluated. Surface roughness values for MQL condition were lower with up to 20% reduction when compared to dry conditions. MQL cutting condition was found to be better and more reliable because it is environmentally friendly and gives better surface finish. With the obtained optimum input parameters for surface roughness, production operations will be enhanced