Environmentally Clean Machining Processes — A Strategic Approach

Present day machining processes are not clean. Current trends in the manufacturing world indicate that this situation will not be acceptable in the future and that extensive research and development work is essential in order to meet the future requirements of legislation. In this paper, the various possible routes to achieve clean machining processes are analysed and discussed. It is shown that the conventional approach has its limitations and that a new and innovative approach is essential within the framework of an environmentally oriented management system and the relevant networks for data provision and analysis. Processes have to be subjected to fine analysis giving deiailed consideration to the various inputs and outputs. Combined processes, alternative processes, new technologies, energy requirements etc. have to be evaluated from the environmental perspective. A first approach to the strategy required to answer the many questions which arise in relation to clean machining processes and to an integrated environmental protection policy is presented and discussed.