Energy Efficient Process Chain: The Impact of Cutting Fluid Strategies

Machining processes can be realized using different cutting fluid strategies–flood, dry and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). The choice of each strategy directly influences the need of peripheral units (e.g. filter units) and additional processes within the process chain (e.g. washing). Thus, selecting an energy and resource efficient cutting fluid strategy depends not only on cutting fluid as a resource, but also on its inherent impact on the entire process chain. Therefore, this paper presents a method for decision support, considering technical boundary conditions and effects on the process chain layout as well as its application in a case study.