Application of Minimal Quantity Lubrication in Gear Hobbing

The results of investigations on application of Minimal Quantity Lubrication (MQL) in gear hobbing are presented in the paper. The experimental stand which allows measurements of cutting forces, Fc, is described. Experiments were carried out for MQL and flood cooling. The influence of the fluid supply methods on tool wear and cutting forces is presented in the paper. The influence of the different workpiece materials is presented, too. The investigations have proved that the using of the MQL method is by all means justified. The results indicate that the hob wear rate is similar for the MQL and for conventional flood cooling. This is also confirmed by the measurements of cutting forces, which values are comparable for both methods.