Exploring the viability of alternative cooling-lubrication strategies in machining processes: A comprehensive review on the performance and sustainability assessment

This paper explores the challenges of machining difficult-to-cut metals using tools like coated carbide, ceramics, and CBN under dry conditions, addressing issues such as heat generation, tool wear and friction, chip evacuation, surface integrity, vibration, and chatter. Though cutting fluids have historically improved machinability, environmental concerns, such as toxicity and non-biodegradability, are significant. Researchers aim to enhance the economic and ecological aspects of machining by reducing cutting fluid usage. This paper provides an overview of the performance assessment and sustainability evaluation of various cooling and lubrication methods during the machining of hard-to-machine as well as difficult-to-cut metals. Additionally, the literature review highlights various environmentally friendly cooling strategies, such as minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and cryogenic arrangements. According to the results of this review, the utilization of various cooling and lubrication technologies has the potential to enhance both sustainability and machinability properties while prolonging the lifespan of cutting tools. The findings also show that there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of optimizing and making these cooling-lubrication solutions more practical and effective.