1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The use of cutting fluids in metal cutting was first reported in 1894 by F. Taylor who noticed that cutting speed could be increased by 33% without reducing tool life by applying large amounts of water in the cutting zone (Ãvila and Abrao, 2001). Cutting fluids increase tool life and improve the efficiency of the production systems providing both cooling and lubrication of the work surface.
Cutting fluids are used to reduce the negative effects of heat and friction on both tool and work piece. Cutting fluids produce three positive effects on the process: heat removal, lubrication on the chip—tool interface and chip removal (Lopez de Lacalle et al., 2006). However, the advantages caused by the cutting fluids have been questioned lately, due to the several negative effects they have caused to in the environment and worker's health.
When inappropriately discharged, cutting fluids may damage soil and water resources, causing serious environmental impact. On the shop floor, machine operators may be affected by negative effects of cutting fluids, such as skin and respiratory problems (Lopez de Lacalle et al., 2006). In order to make the machining process more ecologically friendly, a near-dryapplication of lubricant have been accepted because of its environmentally friendly characteristics (Sokovic et al., 2001, Dhar et al.,2006 and Suda et al.,2004). But, depending on the machining process, to reduce or eliminate cutting fluids use is not possible. For these cases it is necessary to develop an alternative solution in order to avoid environment and heath damage.
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