Evaluation of a novel controlled cutting fluid impinging supply system when machining titanium alloys

Following a comprehensive review on titanium machining and methods of cutting fluid application, this paper presents a new Controlled cutting fluid impinging supply system (Cut‐list) developed to deliver an accurate amount of cutting fluid into the machining zone via wellpositioned coherent nozzles based on the calculation of the heat generated. The performance of the new system was evaluated against a conventional flood cutting fluid supply system during step shoulder milling of Ti‐6Al‐4V using vegetable oil‐based cutting fluid. The comparison was performed at different cutting speeds and feed rates. Comparison measures/indicators were cutting force, workpiece temperature, tool flank wear, burr formation and average surface roughness (Ra). The new system provided significant reductions in cutting fluid consumption of up to 42%. Additionally, reductions in cutting force, tool flank wear and burr height of 16.41%, 46.77%, and 31.70% were recorded, respectively. Smaller Ra values were also found with the use of the new system.