When I was first asked this question one thing came to mind. “Boy, machines sure use a lot of cutting fluids, oils and electricity.” Perhaps these areas that can be improved. That is how I got interested in hydrostatics’ a technique in witch a low viscosity fluid is injected at high pressure on a specially design bearing surface to reduce friction. Hydrostatics have been implemented on hi precision machines such as grinders and wafer slicing machines. But if tuned for friction in less precise machines can they save you energy? Hydrostatics also have the advantage that they do not ware out and do not use oil base lubricants, perhaps there are savings there. And finally upgrading machines with the latest controls and motors which are currently very efficient and can be sized smaller given that you may have lest friction in the system will also help.

Now this merits some research and some number. When I get around to crank this I’ll post it. I will be like carbon footprint equivalent for a CNC machine. And this gets me thinking; maybe it’s not about the net saving but about the intention. All good things start with intentions and there is no telling where this can lead us. Maybe, this can be a key ingredient that can get young people interest in manufacturing; it can become a differentiator.

Any thought on the subject ? What other areas besides machine are there?