Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The appeal of lightweight materials like titanium and high temperature corrosion resistant materials like nickel alloys to the automotive and aerospace industries is marred by the difficulty involved in machining such alloys. The machining of these alloys is plagued by high temperatures and adhesion which eventually lead to severe damage of tools and the machined alloy. However, machining is an essential part of the production of metal parts, even cast parts require some form of machining. Although the manipulation of machining parameters have been observe improve the life of the work tool, it bears little influence on mitigating adhesion or wear of the machining tool. The difficulties of machining can be reduced by the employment of lubricants and coolants (metalworking fluids). Metalworking fluids have proven essential to the machining process, controlling temperature, reducing friction as well as eliminating debris from the machining zone. However, present metalworking fluids posse adverse environmental issues, while other proposed cooling techniques do not completely eliminate the need of these fluids. Therefore, current lubrication and coolant solutions do not adequately or efficiently solve the issue of working with difficult-to-machine alloys. A practical solution to this issue is the application of environmentally friendly metalworking fluids, which is the basis of this research. This study will investigate the influence of several environmentally friendly metalworking fluids and additives types on the machining of lightweight alloys. Thus allowing the introduction of environmentally friendly alternatives with superior lubricity to current metalworking fluids. In addition to the vast environmental advantages, there would also be cost benefits due to the improvement of the machining process. It would also establish a better understanding of the interactions of environmentally friendly additives, metalworking fluids and the machining process. Finally, the results of this project will increase the competitiveness of Canadian aerospace and automotive companies by increasing the quality and throughput aspects of processes used by the manufacturers while providing a positive impact on environmental indicators.*