Search results

This study aims to investigate the machining performance of CVD-coated carbide tools by considering most crucial machinability aspects: cutting force, tool life, surface roughness and chip morphology in high-speed hard turning of AISI 4340 alloy steel under a sustainable minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) environment.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of coated carbide tools under MQL environment therefore, machining tests were performed in accordance with the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, accommodating the three crucial machining parameters such as cutting speed (V = 300–400 m/min), feed rate (F = 0.1–0.2 mm/rev) and depth of cut (DOC = 0.2–0.4 mm). The measured or calculated values obtained in each experimental run were validated for normality assumptions before drawing any statistical inferences. Taguchi signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance methodologies were used to examine the effect of machining variables on the performance outcomes.

The quantitative analysis revealed that the depth of cut exerted the most significant influence on cutting force, with a contributing rate of 60.72%. Cutting speed was identified as the primary variable affecting the tool life, exhibiting a 47.58% contribution, while feed rate had the most dominating impact on surface roughness, with an overall contributing rate of 89.95%. The lowest cutting force (184.55 N) and the longest tool life (7.10 min) were achieved with low machining parameters at V = 300 m/min, F = 0.1 mm/rev, DOC = 0.2 mm. Conversely, the lowest surface roughness (496 nm) was achieved with high cutting speed, low feed rate and moderate depth of cut at V = 400 m/min, F = 0.1 mm/rev and DOC = 0.3 mm. Moreover, the microscopic examination of the chips revealed a serrated shape formation under all machining conditions. However, the degree of serration increased with an incremental raise with cutting speed and feed rate.

The study is limited to study the effect of machining parameters within the stated range of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut as well as other parameters.

Practitioners may consider to adopt this machining technique to create more sustainable working environment as well as eliminate the disposal cost of the used metal cutting fluid.

By applying this machining technique, diseases caused by metal cutting fluid to the mechanist will be significantly reduced, therefore creating better lifestyles.

Hard turning is commonly carried out with advanced cutting tools such as ceramics, cubic boron nitride and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride to attain exceptional surface finish. However, the high cost of these tools necessitates exploration of alternative approaches. Therefore, this study investigates the potential of using cost-effective, multilayer-coated carbide tools under MQL conditions to achieve comparable surface quality.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0013/

The current research study aims to explore the rising appeal of creative industry for institutionally embedded women entrepreneurs of rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A qualitative research methodology is adopted to conduct the research study. Primary data is collected through in-depth interviews with 38 women entrepreneurs working in two sectors of creative industry in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The research study explored creative industry as the most informal, non-traditional, low cost, flexible and convenient business sector for institutionally embedded Pukhtoon women entrepreneurs of rural KP.

The study draws the attention of policymakers and government to consider the informal norms in which women entrepreneurship is deeply embedded, while making entrepreneurship development policies and programs. The research study drives the attention of government toward making entrepreneurial education and training facilities easily available so that the skill and talent of women entrepreneurs can be more polished and enhanced. It further suggests that if the policymakers and Government of Pakistan take positive initiations and recognize the paramount importance, the creative industry of Pakistan has the potential of contributing toward uplifting of the economy.

The study helps in identifying the prevailing social and cultural norms in KP that shapes the choice of women entrepreneurs toward entrepreneurship in creative industry. It emphasizes to understand the reasons, for which women in KP, opt to open their entrepreneurial ventures in creative industry.