Evaluating the effect of WCJ with MQL in grinding VP50IM steel with black silicon carbide wheel

Abstract

Grinding is a manufacturing process that demands cutting fluids due to its great heat generation. However, those fluids are extremely harmful to human health and nature. The minimum quantity of lubrication (MQL) has been a studied alternative, but its application in grinding is still limited due to its low heat removal and wheel clogging. In this context, the present research investigated the performance of a wheel cleaning jet (WCJ) associated with the MQL (MQL + WCJ) at three flow rates in grinding of VP50IM steel with a black silicon carbide wheel, comparing the results with MQL and flood method. The evaluated output parameters were workpiece surface roughness, surface topography, roundness error, diametrical wheel wear, G ratio, grinding power, tangential cutting force, acoustic emission, grinding cost analyses, and CO2 pollution emission. The application of the wheel cleaning jet reduced up to 17% the surface roughness, 16% the roundness error, 18% the diametrical wheel wear, 17% the G ratio, 22% the grinding power, 23% the tangential cutting force, 20% the acoustic emission, 60% the manufacturing cost, and 68% the CO2 pollution emission. The application of WCJ improved the performance of the MQL technique and reinforced its potential to contribute to industrial-scale cleaner manufacturing.