Abstract

The paper discusses the global movement towards an agile and green manufacturing environment and their impacts on high volume producers such as the automotive industry. In the area of machining, two major shifts are envisioned: 1) proliferation of highly flexible CNC single spindle machining centers to replace conventional dedicated transfer lines and 2) implementation of "dry" machining systems where there are no or minimal use of machining fluids. In order to migrate towards these goals and still remain competitive and profitable, economically viable high performance super hard coated cutting tools must be developed. Machining results with CVD diamond coated tools are presented to illustrate their current capabilities and limitations. Key areas for further research and development of super hard coating tools will also be discussed.