Product and Process Innovation for Modeling of Sustainable Machining Processes

Sustainability is recognized as the driver for innovation. However, there is a critical need for improved sustainability evaluation methods, as well as for improved predictive models and optimization methods, to aid decision-making and selection of novel product and process designs for sustainable manufacturing. In the case of machining, increased awareness of the need for sustainability in manufacturing operations has led to significant research in advancing with new and more sustainable processes such as dry, near-dry and cryogenic machining. This paper presents an overview of product and process sustainability evaluation methods and modeling techniques, including analytical, empirical and computational methods, as well as optimization procedures, developed for predicting the performance of sustainable machining processes and major sustainability elements in machined products. The paper also highlights the technological challenges involved, and the future work needed, in developing comprehensive predictive models and optimization techniques for sustainable machining.