The Analysis of Key Technologies for Sustainable Machine Tools Design

Abstract

Machine tools as indispensable tools for manufacturing products are typical high-energy, high-carbon manufacturing systems due to their larger mass, longer life cycles and huge resources and energy consumption. The current research trend of sustainable machine tools aims to reduce cost, energy consumption and increase sustainability without compromising their functionality, usability, productivity, accuracy, etc. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews about what are the key technologies for sustainable machine tools design. Thus, a comprehensive literature review of machine tool design for sustainability is needed in order to make clear how to design and evaluate sustainable machine tools from the viewpoint of life cycle sustainability analysis. The aim of this paper is to review the sustainable design and assessment aspects of machine tool design from partial goals to integrated aims according to whole sustainability dimensions such as the environment, economy and society, as well as involving key techniques in different life cycle stages. Recent research and study on improving directly or indirectly sustainability performance of machine tools according to focus points could be summarized as: design optimization of components such as lightweight using topology and bionic methods; structure design with modular design and layout; reducing cutting fluids and lubricant oil by employing minimum quantity lubrication, dry and cryogenic machining; reducing energy consumption; waste reduction by reusing, remanufacturing and recycling; sustainability assessment i.e., energy model, life cycle cost and life cycle social benefit. This paper assists designers and manufacturers to improve sustainability of machine tools by specific optimization measures in their activities.

Recent Advances in Precision, Sustainability and Safety of Machine Tools

“…One promising approach relies on so-called reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS), which Koren [30] defines as systems for fast adaptation of the production capacity and functionality by changing the structure as well as the hardware and software. Feng and Huang [11] discussed the sustainability benefits due to machine tool modularity over the entire product lifecycle. The sustainability gain is mainly due to the low variety, complexity and reuse of parts as well as the flexibility in the applications.…”

“…At the same time, increased productivity goes hand in hand with the efficient use of resources, which is also a significant contribution to achieving the climate goals of the Paris Agreement [10]. For example, measures for more sustainable production include considering the energy consumption of the machine tool and reusing old machines with modular concepts [11]. Two novel approaches are proposed that address efficient material and energy use, respectively.…”

A Review of the Factors Influencing Surface Roughness in Machining and Their Impact on Sustainability

“…Under this approach, different strategies, such as the implementation of lightweight components [20], the adjustment of motors to the machine cycle requirements or switch-off and the reduction in warmup tactics [21], have been studied to reduce cost and energy consumption and increase sustainability without compromising their functionality, usability, productivity, accuracy, etc. [22], and some of them have been recently reviewed [23,24].…”

Sustainability-Based Analysis of Conventional to High-Speed Machining of Al 6061-T6 Alloy

“…Therefore, the optimal use of electrical energy consumption in a machining process can be achieved by developing energy efficient machine tool components and/or by optimizing the actual machining process [7]. The design of energy efficient machine tools is also supported by international regulations (ECODESIGN Directive 2009/125/EC, Energy Labelling Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/1369), CECIMO Self-Regulatory Initiative) and standards (ISO 14955-1:2017, ISO/TR 14062:2002) [8]. Despite these regulations and standards, the development of new energyefficient machine tool technology and the replacement of existing technology represent a gradual and cost intensive process.…”