Investigation of the Combined Effects of Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Machining and Minimum Quantity Lubrication on Al7075-T6

The aluminum alloy Al7075-T6 finds extensive application in the aviation and automotive industries, where machining plays a pivotal role. Emerging techniques such as Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Machining (UVAM) and Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) hold promise for enhancing machining efficiency. In this study, the combined use of UVAM and MQL for slot milling of Al7075-T6 was investigated. The results demonstrate that UVAM reduced cutting forces by an average of 10.87% in MQL and 8.31% in Conventional Cutting Fluid (CCF) conditions when compared to Conventional Machining (CM). In addition, UVAM yielded significantly improved surface finishes, characterized by an average reduction in surface roughness of 41.86% in MQL and 32.11% in CCF conditions relative to CM. Furthermore, surfaces subjected to UVAM exhibited fewer instances of burn marks and tool-induced markings, reduced chip splashing, and more uniform surface integrity compared to those manufactured with CM. Lastly, chips generated through UVAM exhibited distinct characteristics, notably shorter length, curvier shape, and a distinctive half-turn morphology when compared with the irregular chips produced through CM. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of UVAM in synergy with MQL to augment the machining of Al7075-T6 alloy, thereby yielding superior-quality machined components with enhanced operational efficiency.