Comparative Evaluation of Cryogenic and Flood Cooling for Precision and Sustainable Machining of Inconel 718
Keywords:
Inconel 718, Precision machining, Sustainability, Cryogenic cooling, Liquid nitrogen(LN2), Power consumption, Surface roughness, Cost assessmentAbstract
This study evaluates the machinability of Inconel 718—a nickel-based superalloy widely used in aerospace, defence, and high-performance applications under conventional flood cooling and cryogenic cooling with liquid nitrogen (LN₂). Its low thermal conductivity, strain-hardening tendency, and abrasive microstructure make precision machining challenging. The effects of spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut were investigated using Taguchi’s L27 design on surface roughness (Ra), tool wear (TW), cutting forces (CF), power consumption (P), and machining noise (N). Cryogenic cooling outperformed flood cooling, reducing surface roughness and tool wear by up to 30%, lowering cutting forces and noise, and minimizing vibration and deflection. Chip morphology and economic analysis further confirmed its industrial feasibility, showing a 38% cost benefit due to reduced tool consumption and elimination of coolant disposal. Overall, cryogenic cooling enhances precision, dimensional control, energy efficiency, and sustainability, demonstrating strong potential for industrial adoption in applications demanding high accuracy and material performance.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Prashant S. Jadhav, Rohit Magdum, Shailesh Shirguppikar, Ramadevi V. Salunkhe (Author)
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