Effects of High pressure coolant on machining temperature and machinability of AISI 304 stainless steel

Effective zones of high pressure coolant (HPC) have been identified in turning performing a wide range of machining operations on 304 stainless steel using uncoated carbide inserts. The effects of triple coolant jets on tool-chip interface temperature were studied. In addition, their performance are evaluated in terms of machining parameters by comparing with those of conventional coolant and dry cut. Chipping and catastrophic failure are the dominant factors of insert rejection for dry cut and conventional coolant, whereas progressive flank wear is observed for HPC within its effective zones at lower feed rate and higher cutting speed. It is found that the cutting force is reduced, surface finish is improved, chip width is narrowed and cooling effect is better with the use of HPC. The enhanced heat dissipation by triple jets is accredited as the primary reason for the reduction of cutting forces, surface roughness and tool wear.