Transferring life cycle engineering to surface engineering

Most surface finishing processes for metals are associated with a high energy demand and the use of chemicals with the potential impact on human- and eco-toxicity. However, surface finishing processes can lead to environmental and economic benefits in other life cycle phases by reducing friction, wear and corrosion. The application of life cycle engineering into surface engineering allows to understand these effects. This study provides a framework to assess environmental and economic effects of surface treatments on other life cycle phases. A case study illustrates the contribution of a surface finishing process for cutting inserts to the life cycle performance.