Inconel 617 alloy is corrosion and oxidation resistant, nickel-based alloy and emanates under tough to turn material. Moreover, turning off this alloy under MQL need attention. In this context, this work aims to examine the machinability study under MQL on CNC turning of 617 alloys by AlTiN PVD carbide cutting inserts. As a methodology, the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array parameter design and response surface optimization has been employed. 1D and 3D plots have been used to analysis on the collected machining data based on fitted regression model. The statistical analysis revealed % concentration impacted for force, cutting velocity influenced for surface roughness and tool wear. From the optimization analysis, 0.25% Al2O3 Nano-fluid in coconut oil along with a cutting speed of 40 m/min and 0.14 mm/rev feed rate. Abrasion, adhesion and diffusion wear are identified as wear mechanisms. The diameter of produced helical and tubular chips are different, and at high % concentration, the curl diameter is found to be increased due to the decrease in lubricity and increase tool friction on turning of Inconel 617. © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.