The effect of cutting parameters on cutting force and tool wear in machining Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloy ASTM F2063 under Minimum Quantity Nanolubricant

The nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys have drawn substantial interest among research communities and industries due to their superior properties in shape memory effect and super-elasticity as compared to the typical alloys and super-alloys. The use of this material in biomedical applications has now been widely recognized and accepted due to its biocompatibility to human body. For instance, NiTi alloys under the ASTM F2063 classification are often applied in medical devices and surgical implant applications. However, due to their poor thermal conductivity and high strain or work hardening effects, a number of complications arise when secondary manufacturing processes such as machining are carried out on these alloys. The use of appropriate coolant technology should be able to overcome these problems through effective cooling and lubricating near the cutting zone. In the present study, the influences of machining parameters, namely; cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut, on the cutting forces and tool wear have been investigated under two modes of cutting environment, namely, dry and minimum quantity nanolubricants. The results show that minimum quantity nanolubrication with aluminium oxide nanoparticles leads to a notable effect in alleviating the amount of tool wear and at the same time controlling the development of cutting force. The reduction in the cutting force and tool wear while applying the minimum quantity nanolubricants is approximately 6-10% and 4-30%, respectively; as to that of dry cutting. It was also observed that the main mechanisms of wear for all conditions are mainly abrasion on the flank face of the cutting inserts. As a whole, the lubrication approach suggested in this study is an effective strategy to reduce ecological impacts and offer cost effective alternative for machining these unique alloys. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.