Optimization of cutting parameters of 1018 steel with montmorillonite clay nanolubricants.

Angel G. Romero-Cantú, Oscar E. Montemayor, Laura Peña-Parás, Demófilo Maldonado-Cortés, Martha Rodríguez-Villalobos

Abstract

Machining processes in the metal-mechanic industry performed by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines commonly present high wear in the cutting inserts. This translates into a limited tool lifespan, poor surface finish of the workpiece, and high energy consumption and costs. Previous studies have shown that the optimization of processing parameters combined with the addition of nanoparticles in cutting fluid lubricants enhances tribological properties such as wear resistance, lowers coefficient of friction (COF), and improves surface roughness. In this work, a three level Box Behnken experimental design was developed in order to optimize the processing parameters for an AISI 1018 steel, such as: cutting speed, feed rate, depth, and nanoparticle concentration. A total of 27 combinations were tested by this method. Machining of the 1018 steel plates was done in a CNC. The nanoparticle selected for this study was a montmorillonite clay (MMT) due to being naturally occurring and environmentally friendly. Nanolubricants were prepared with a MMT concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 wt.%. After each test, the wear loss of inserts, surface roughness of the 1018 plates, and frictional torque were recorded. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the benefit of nanoparticle addition and optimization of processing parameters for enhancing the efficiency of machining processes through improving tribological properties.