Use of ferrofluids in machining of metals

Ferrofluids controlled by an external magnetic field are suitable as lubricants for moving metal machining parts. Empirical relations of the form M sub c = kDt sub bs sup av sup c were established for the unit cutting torque M sub c as function of the drill diameter, the depth of hole t, the feed rate s, and the cutting rate v when holes in Al3V aluminum alloy, TsAM10-5 zinc alloy, VT1 titanium alloy, or 12Cr18Ni10Ti stainless are cut with a drill of R6M5 high-speed steel using a fixture made of nonmagnetic stainless and a ferrofluid based on MVP mineral tool oil as lubricant. Values of the coefficient and the exponents were determined by the Student significance test and Fisher adequacy test. It is found that ferrofluid as lubricant is more effective in machining of nonmagnetic materials.