Kuivatyöstö

Kuivatyöstö is a Finnish term that translates to "dry processing" or "dry machining." It refers to manufacturing processes where a material is shaped, cut, or finished without the use of any cutting fluids or lubricants. This is in contrast to wet machining, which utilizes coolants and lubricants to aid in the cutting process, reduce friction, and remove chips.

The primary advantages of kuivatyöstö include environmental benefits, as it eliminates the need for coolant disposal and reduces waste. It also simplifies the manufacturing process by removing the requirement for coolant delivery systems, filtration, and cleanup. Furthermore, in certain applications, dry machining can lead to higher productivity due to reduced setup times and the elimination of coolant-related downtime.

However, kuivatyöstö also presents challenges. Increased tool wear is a common issue because the absence of coolant leads to higher temperatures at the cutting zone. This necessitates the use of more heat-resistant tooling materials, such as ceramics or specialized carbides. Managing chip evacuation can also be more difficult without the flushing action of coolants. The increased heat generated can also affect the surface finish and dimensional accuracy of the workpiece if not properly controlled through machine parameters and tooling selection.

Kuivatyöstö is often employed in industries where coolant contamination is undesirable, such as in the production of certain plastics, composites, or medical components. Advancements in tooling technology and machine tool design are continually improving the feasibility and efficiency of dry machining for a wider range of materials and applications.