Examination of Minimum Quantity Lubrication Performance in the Hard Turning of AISI/SAE 1060 High-Carbon Steel

Heat-treated materials have improved mechanical qualities that can be used in demanding engineering applications. Production costs are the primary driving force behind the adoption of optimization techniques and new technologies in the production industry. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is a subject of research as a possible substitute for flood cooling, which is notorious for having harmful effects on the atmosphere and operator wellbeing. This research is distinctive in that it examines the impact of MQL with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanolubricants on maximizing the machinability during hard turning of AISI/SAE 1060 steel. The present paper provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of dry, pure MQL, and hybrid MQL (0.5 and 1 vol.% hBN) cooling conditions on the turning performance of AISI/SAE 1060 steel using TiN-coated carbide inserts. Furthermore, by reducing energy consumption and waste generation, our research aims to support the advancement of sustainable and environmentally friendly machining methods. Hybrid MQL (1 vol.% hBN) cooling condition, 40 m/min cutting speed, and 0.1 mm/min feed rate are the optimum values for yielding maximum tool life and minimum of both surface roughness and tool–chip interface temperature.