General Review of Dry and Semi-Dry Machining

Machining, as a key process in the manufacture of parts and components, has evolved significantly from manual techniques to automated and highly sophisticated methods. This work specifically addresses the evolution and trends in dry and semi-dry machining, highlighting its implications in sustainability, efficiency and industrial viability. Tradi-tionally, cutting fluids were essential for reducing friction, dissipating heat, and evacuat-ing chips; however, environmental concerns, associated costs and increasing regulations have driven the search for more sustainable alternatives. Through a documentary analysis based on the Web of Science (WoS) database, this study examines scientific production and key trends from 2005 to 2025. The results show a progressive increase in publications and citations, evidencing the growing interest in these techniques. The paper analyses four periods: the early days (2005-2009), where complex materials such as titanium alloys were mainly explored; the initial peak (2010-2014), characterized by the development of advanced tools and simulation models; consolidation (2015-2019), when sustainability and machine learning were emphasized; and recent refinement (2020-2025), where nanolubricants, tribological additives and hybrid lubrication and cooling systems emerged. The document also details technical advances, such as the use of multi-layer coatings, solid lubricants and Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) systems, which have enabled wider applications of these techniques in key industries such as aerospace, medical and automotive. Finally, future challenges are identified, such as initial costs, process optimization for specific materials and the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to maximize efficiency. This analysis provides a compre-hensive overview of the state of the art in dry and semi-dry machining, highlighting its crucial role in the transition to more sustainable manufacturing.