Exploring New Frontiers in Cryogenic Machining

Cryogenic cutting represents a transformative approach in modern machining, particularly in handling difficult-to-machine materials like titanium and Inconel alloys. Traditional cutting fluids, while useful in cooling cutting tools and workpieces, fall short in high-speed machining scenarios and pose considerable health and environmental risks. In response, cryogenic machining utilizes extremely low temperatures, employing agents such as liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide to enhance cutting processes including turning, milling, and drilling. Despite significant advancements and extensive research into understanding and improving this technique, challenges remain, particularly in cryogen delivery methods and the economic implications of adopting such technologies.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate recent advancements in cryogenic cutting and underscore its potential advantages across various sectors. A critical aspect of this inquiry is assessing the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of cryogenic cooling and treatment methods, which directly contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Additionally, it seeks to deepen the understanding of fundamental phenomena associated with cryogenic cutting, such as those affecting surface integrity, friction behavior, and chip formation.

To gather further insights into the practical and theoretical aspects of cryogenic machining, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Latest advances in cryogenic cutting technology
• Innovative cooling and cryogenic treatment strategies
• Developments in cryogenic tribology
• Optimization of cryogenic machining processes
• New methods of cryogenic delivery, including MQL and nanofluid MQL applications
• Environmental impacts of cryogenic machining
• Applications of cryogenic techniques in machining superalloys, ferrous metals, and
viscoelastic polymers/elastomers
• Analysis of the sustainability and economic aspects of various cryogenic methods

We invite submissions in various formats including original research, reviews, and case studies to further expand the knowledge base surrounding this pivotal technology.

Keywords: Cryogenic Cutting, machining technique, turning, milling, and drilling, Cooling strategies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.