Abstract
Nickel Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy is a prominent material for
biomedical implants. Machining of shape memory alloy is challenging and requires
intervention of sustainable techniques to produce quality products with minimum
environmental footprints. This paper details the results of experimental investigation
conducted on MQL assisted high speed machining of shape memory alloys. It
reports the effect of MQL parameters on surface roughness and tool wear during
turning (at speed 90 m/min) of NiTi shape memory alloy. Experiments are
conducted based on Taguchi’s robust design of experiment technique with L9
orthogonal array. Rhomboid shaped simple carbide tool is selected for
experimentation. Green lubricant which is a blend of natural, synthetic and
sulphurized esters is used as MQL fluid. Three important MQL parameters such as
flow rate, air pressure, and nozzle distance are varied at 3 levels each. Parameters
are optimized to secure the optimum combination producing best surface finish
(Ra~1.39μm) and tool flank wear 1.6 mm.