Adapted versus Projected Machining Centers Energy Consumption for MQL Technique

Abstract

Cutting fluid application is a vital technique to achieve the expected result in most machining processes. However, besides having a high cost, the cutting fluid application also represents a risk to the environment due the oil chemical characteristics. The Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) is an alternative when looking for reduction of oil consumption and a more environmentally friendly process. A literature review has shown that many predictive models of machine tool power consumption do not consider the consumption of the required air compressor in MQL. This paper’s motivation was testing these models to predict the energy consumption. It was observed that the amount of consumed energy in the cutting is lower when compared to the consumption of basic components of the machining center in both cases. Using the MQL, the tool life showed a decrease. However, it allows the feed to increase and reduces the energy consumption.

Keywords

• manufacturing
• machining
• mql
• energy