Mist Generation During Metal Machining

Abstract

Use of metalworking fluids during machining results in a mist that is associated with adverse health effects. Experiments conducted on a small lathe quantified the amount of mist generated by evaporation/condensation, centrifugal force, and impaction. Evaporation/condensation was the most important mechanism, followed by centrifugal force, then impaction. For evaporation/condensation, rotational speed and cut depth determined the amount of heat generated during machining, whereas fluid flow determined the amount of heat transferred to the liquid. The flow-rotational speed interaction influenced mist generation by centrifugal force, whereas mist generation by impaction was determined only by fluid flow. [S0742-4787(00)01303-5]