Economic analysis of eco-friendly lubrication strategies for the machining of Ti48Al2Cr2Nb aluminide

Titanium aluminides have been identified as potential materials in the aeronautical sector. However, the high processing costs and their low machinability limit their application. This research evaluates the effectiveness of minimum quantity lubrication technique (MQL) and cryogenic lubrication on the turning process of Ti48Al2Cr2Nb aluminide from an economic and industrial productivity point of view, with the aim of determining the optimum cutting conditions to reduce manufacturing costs and maximize the production rate. To this end, a preliminary experimental analysis will be carried out, determining the tool life as a function of the cutting speed for each lubrication condition (dry, MQL and LN2). The results show that, although both MQL and LN2 conditions allow the tool wear to be reduced, the MQL technique stands out for its higher efficiency and for the possibility of reaching a higher cutting speed. In addition, the high cost of liquid nitrogen implies a 47% additional cost. Consequently, this research finds out that the turning process should be carried out in the cutting speed range of 70–76 m/min under MQL conditions to obtain the highest profit rate.