Effects of cryogenic treatment and refrigerated air on tool wear when machining medium density fiberboard

Cooling of cutting tools with liquid coolants and lubricants is impractical when machining dry wood or wood composites. This study examines the combined effect of cryogenic tool treatment and using refrigerated air for cooling tools on reducing tool wear. A total of four, double-flute, solid, tungsten carbide router bits were used to machine medium density fiberboard with a CNC router. Three of the four tools were cryogenically treated to below −149 °C. During cutting, refrigerated air was applied to two tools, while the other two cut at ambient temperature. All tools were examined under the stereo light microscope to capture images in order to measure tool wear. Elemental analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy to determine the percentage of specific elements present on clearance faces of tools after cutting was completed. Results show that less tool wear occurs when using refrigerated air and cryogenic treatment, thereby increasing tool life when cutting medium density fiberboard.