In metal machining, a cutting tool is used to remove workpiece material to precise geometry, tolerance and finish. Cutting friction generates significant heat which shortens tool life.
Current processes use synthetic oil based cutting fluids for cooling.
These fluids are environmentally hazardous and disposing of them is increasingly regulated and costly. Metal chips generated as a machining by-product are considered hazardous because of cutting fluid contamination and are generally landfilled. Moreover, prolonged worker contact with cutting fluids may cause severe dermatitis. Cryogenic Metal Machining is a promising new technology which economically addresses the current processes' environmental and health concerns. This process injects liquid nitrogen through a micro-nozzle at the precise location required to cool the tool and the immediate cutting site.