Abstract In modern manufacturing industries, sustainability has become an important concern due to increasing environmental regulations and the need to reduce resource consumption. Conventional machining processes generally use large amount of cutting fluids for cooling and lubrication. These fluids help to improve tool life and surface finish but they also create environmental pollution, health hazards for workers and high disposal cost. Therefore industries are looking for alternative machining techniques that can reduce or eliminate the use of conventional cutting fluids. Sustainable machining is an approach that aims to minimize environmental impact while maintaining machining performance and productivity. One of the most promising techniques is Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL), where only a small amount of lubricant is supplied directly to the cutting zone in the form of mist or aerosol. Another approach is the use of eco-friendly coolants such as biodegradable oils, vegetable based lubricants and water-based solutions that are less harmful to environment. This paper presents a detailed review of sustainable machining practices with focus on Minimum Quantity Lubrication and eco-friendly coolants. The principles, working mechanism, advantages, limitations and applications of these technologies are discussed. The effect of MQL and green coolants on tool wear, surface finish, cutting temperature and machining efficiency is also analysed. Various research studies indicate that MQL combined with biodegradable lubricants can significantly reduce cutting fluid consumption while maintaining good machining performance. Sustainable machining techniques are expected to play a major role in future manufacturing systems where environmental protection and resource efficiency will become more important.
Keywords: Sustainable machining, Minimum Quantity Lubrication, Eco friendly coolants, Green manufacturing, Cutting fluids, Environmentally conscious machining.
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