Analysis of the surface roughness and cutting tool wear using a vapor compression assisted cooling system to cool the cutting fluid in turning operation

•Implementation of a vapor-compression refrigeration system to cool the cutting fluid.•Refrigerated cutting fluid to obtain better surface finishing results of the pieces and lower wear on the cutting tool.•Low cost refrigeration system that uses steam compression to cool the liquid cutting fluid.•The refrigeration system used is effective and contributes to the integrity of the cutting tools and quality of pieces.•A new alternative, economically viable, and that can contribute to the quality assurance of the manufactured products.