1. Principle of cryogenic assistance in machining and associated techniques

To understand and then optimize the action of a cryogenic fluid in the cutting zone, it is important first to have a fairly precise idea of the mechanical and thermal stresses to which the tool is subjected, as well as those applied to the surface of the part, which will lead to the surface integrity characteristics (work hardening, microstructure and residual stresses in particular). Understanding the mechanisms of chip formation is therefore an essential step.

Based on these elements, the cryogenic cooling techniques currently being developed will be presented and discussed. Cryogenics is usually defined as the field of very low temperatures (below 100 or 120 K, according to bibliographical sources [R 2 810] ).