Turning is a widely used metal removal process in manufacturing industry that involves generation of high cutting forces and temperature. Lubrication becomes critical to minimize the effects of these forces and temperature on cutting tool and workpiece. The conventional cutting fluids employed in machining have certain limitations with regard to their use for ecological and economic reasons. Development of lubricants that are eco friendly is acquiring importance. In this context, application of solid lubricants has proved to be a feasible alternative to the conventional cutting fluids. In the present work, Boric Acid is used as a lubricant in turning process. Variations in cutting force, tool wear, tool temperature and surface roughness are studied under different machining conditions. The results indicate that there is considerable improvement in the machining performance with Boric Acid assisted machining compared to dry and wet machining.
turning; solid lubricant; boric acid
