Experimental Investigation of Lubrication Effects in High-Feed Face Milling Using DOE-Based Cutting Force and Surface Analysis

High-feed face milling is widely adopted in industry for its productivity advantages, especially when machining medium carbon steels. However, the combined effects of lubrication regimes on both the cutting forces and surface quality remain insufficiently explored, creating a research gap in optimizing process parameters for improved performance. This study presents an experimental investigation into the effects of lubrication on cutting forces and surface topography during the high-feed face milling of C45 steel. Using a design of experiments (DOE) approach, eight distinct machining setups were developed by varying the cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed per tooth. Each setup was tested under two lubrication conditions: with flood coolant and under dry machining. Cutting forces in the X, Y, and Z directions were recorded using a dynamometer, while the post-machining surface quality was evaluated using 3D areal surface topography measurements. The results revealed that feed per tooth was the primary factor affecting both the cutting forces and surface roughness, with depth of cut having a moderate effect and cutting speed a minor influence. Flood lubrication reduced the peak forces, stabilized force fluctuations, and improved surface uniformity, particularly in the valley depths and skewness parameters. This work provides (i) a combined analysis of cutting forces and surface topography under high-feed milling, (ii) quantitative evidence of lubrication effects on force and surface consistency, and (iii) identification of dominant process parameters for optimization, offering practical guidance for enhancing productivity, surface quality, and tribological performance in high-feed milling operations.