Sustainable Drilling of AISI 321 Stainless Steel: A Brief Study in Some Mediums

The growing demand for advanced materials in aerospace, chemical processing, food processing, medical equipment, and energy industries has increased the use of austenitic stainless steels such as AISI 321. Although this material offers excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, and good mechanical strength, its drilling presents significant machining challenges. High cutting forces, elevated temperatures, tool wear, poor chip evacuation, burr formation, and difficulties in maintaining hole quality are commonly encountered during the process. This book, Sustainable Drilling of AISI 321 Stainless Steel: A Brief Study in Some Mediums, presents an experimental and analytical investigation of two alternative machining strategies. Vegetable-oil minimum quantity lubrication represents a low-consumption and renewable lubrication approach, while Al¿O¿ nanofluid cooling represents an advanced method for improving heat transfer and controlling temperature in the cutting zone. Their performance is examined under comparable drilling conditions to provide a meaningful basis for evaluating their technical and sustainability-related advantages.