Exploring the machinability of CrMnFeCoNi high entropy alloy and the effect of metal cutting fluids

Khan, Thawhid ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9621-9928, Taylor, Chris M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1325-7804, Goodall, Russell ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0720-9694, Liskiewicz, Tomasz ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0866-814X, Bryant, Michael G and Wika, Krystian K (2025) Exploring the machinability of CrMnFeCoNi high entropy alloy and the effect of metal cutting fluids. Tribology - Materials, Surfaces and Interfaces. ISSN 1751-5831

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Abstract

This study investigates the machining characteristics of a High Entropy Alloy, CrMnFeCoNi (Cantor's Alloy), when machined with different metalworking fluids. Selective Laser Melting was used to additively manufacture the material block from powder, which was then used in a parametric study of machining responses in comparison to a reference AISI 304L stainless steel. Tool life and power consumption was monitored when unadditised and commercial metalworking fluid variants were used during the machining of both materials. The study demonstrated that it was harder to machine the high entropy alloy, likely due to the high hardness and lower thermal conductivity of the material. It was also found that the commercial metalworking fluid increased tool life compared to the unadditised fluid when machining 304L, however no difference in tool life was observed when machining with the high entropy alloy. It may be that the elemental composition of the high entropy alloy impacted the formation of a protective film that could influence tool life, as has been observed with other materials.