From MILAN (Italy) – A process for cutting metal tools and workpieces with liquid nitrogen or CO2 (between -200° and -80°C) was presented two years ago at EMO as an alternative to conventional coolants and a new path to productivity.
In cryogenic machining, liquid nitrogen is sent through the spindle to the cutting edge, efficiently, countering heat buildup on the tool’s surface. The technology improves tool life, diminishes waste chips, shortens process cycles and eliminates the need for cooling fluids while reducing environmental impact.
Yet, at this year’s edition of EMO, cryo-technologies were absent from the aisles of the fair. Are they still an alternative to traditional hard metal machining? Some argue that they are an alternative only for certain materials and in specific industries, such as aerospace.
