Sustainability aspects of machining operations: A summary of concepts

Abstract

Studies on sustainable manufacturing engineering accumulate a growing body of knowledge, driven by an increasing interest in processes’ long-term viability. The quality enhancement and optimization of manufacturing operations have become a pressing need for sustainability. As a result, new renewable technology and work method proposals are required; they must combine the ecological and social aspects at an industrial level of manufacturing processes while preserving the economic and technological viability. There is no single structure for orienting study lines of optimization when it comes to sustainability. So, this paper focuses on a summary of concepts related to sustainable machining operations. In this framework, sustainable machining can be described as a part of sustainable manufacturing. The different alternative machining technologies such as dry machining, cryogenic machining, and high-pressure jet assisted machining, etc., are discussed briefly concerning sustainable machining. The problem and synergy between economic and environmental considerations and the effect of cooling fluids in the machining operations, optimization of power/energy responses in determining optimal machining conditions are outlined for sustainable machining. This paper offers a broad assessment of sustainable machining technology’s value in achieving sustainable manufacturing goals and implementing them at the ground level.