The world-wide trend to environmental awareness is accompanied by a rising need for manufacturing technologies that spare energy and resources. The sustainability of products and processes becomes more and more a main competitive edge. However, the very essential aspect of abrasive tool design and its impact on process eco-efficiency have not been examined in a holistic view yet. Therefore this work evaluates the whole tool life from manufacturing to use phase and end-of-life.

Abrasive tools have a huge variety in specifications, manufacturing steps and ingredients Therefore a framework has to be set up to evaluate tool manufacturing with a thorough investigation of main and auxiliary ingredients emissions waste and energy Tool design affects the abrasive machining process in terms of productivity workpiece quality and tool life. Relevant mechanisms of impact are discussed, evaluated and included into a suitable holistic life cycle management of abrasive tools. Not only the improvement of the single abrasive process, but moreover the process chain and leveraging effects on product performance are considered. Different scenarios for the end of life of abrasive tools conclude the life cycle management Abrasive tools are not only complex products but moreover important enablers for green manufacturing.