Improving the Surface Finish of Spur Gears Using Palm Oil-Based Lapping: Comparison with Other Industrial Lapping Solutions

Palm oil is among the most produced plant oils in the world and is solid at room temperature. This study aims to produce a palm oil-based lapping solution that contributes to sustainable manufacturing. A palm oil-based lapping solution was compared with grease and industrial lapping solutions. Lapping processes were conducted on cylindrical spur gear wheels following the Taguchi L27 experimental design, utilizing three distinct RPMs and varying times. The average surface roughness value after the lapping procedure diminished by 39.45% with the palm oil lapping solution, demonstrating greater effectiveness than the other treatments. The most significant percentage change among all lapping solutions was −59.06%, achieved with palm oil at 32 rpm for 10 min. On the other hand, the Taguchi L27 signal-to-noise analysis shows that the palm oil lapping solution yielded the optimal outcome at 50 rpm and 16 min. A palm oil-based lapping solution was seen as capable of replacing mineral oil-based lapping solutions.