Improved performance and surface integrity in finish machining of Inconel 718 with electrically charged tungsten disulphide MQL

This paper presents the results from end milling of Inconel 718 with a newly designed and manufactured minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) delivery system. This involves spraying electrically charged tungsten disulphide (WS₂) nano particles dispersed in vegetable oil through pressurised air as a coolant/lubricant. This method improved the cooling and lubrication during machining. Tool life, surface integrity and cutting forces obtained from end milling Inconel 718 with this new system are compared with conventional flood and MQL cooling/ lubrication. The electrically charged WS₂ nanofluid was found to increase tool life by ≈10% and significantly improve surface integrity.