Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) or ‘Near Dry Machining’ (NDM), as it is sometimes referred to, is an alternative to the use of traditional metal working fluids (MWFs).  Where traditional MWFs or ‘coolants’ are applied in flood fashion to the cutting zone to dissipate the heat caused by the friction of the metalcutting process, MQL takes a different approach and applies an ultra-thin layer of lubricant and reduces the friction (and heat) between the cutting tool and the workpiece.  MQL delivers an aerosol spray comprised of a balanced mixture of lubricant and air to the cutting zone and does so in very minimum quantity (hence the name).