4. Environmental balance sheet

The previous paragraph demonstrated the benefits of using cryogenic assistance during machining operations. To assess the benefits of implementing this process in a production line, it is also necessary to measure the environmental cost of the device and compare it with other machining methods.

In the mechanical engineering industry, cutting fluids represent a consumption of over 20,000 t/year in France. Cutting fluid represents around 10% of the production cost of a conventionally machined part. This cost includes filtration, treatment and storage, as well as taxes on polluting products, workshop health and safety costs, and environmental monitoring (ISO 14000). The use of cutting fluids can also lead to respiratory ailments, and even skin diseases (dermatitis), after inhalation of the mists generated.

The idea of eliminating cutting fluids...