Aarbakke AS

Case

How can regrinding CNC tools instead of producing new ones reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability in precision manufacturing?

Challenge

Aarbakke, a leader in advanced mechanical solutions for the oil and gas industry, aims to become the most sustainable player in their sector. Achieving this requires reducing emissions from manufacturing processes, particularly in CNC machining where tool production and disposal contribute to significant carbon footprints. The challenge lies in quantifying the sustainability benefits of regrinding tools versus producing new ones, while maintaining operational efficiency and product quality​.

Solution

Through its collaboration with Terravera Foundation, Aarbakke now uses data-driven lifecycle models to measure the environmental impact of regrinding CNC tools. This approach provides:

• Quantifiable Insights: Detailed emissions data for transportation, grinding processes, and new tool production.

• Lifecycle Analysis: Models that illustrate the sustainability benefits of extending tool lifespan through regrinding.

• Transparency and Trust: Third-party validation to demonstrate that Aarbakke’s sustainability goals are being achieved​.

The Collaboration

Aarbakke’s collaboration with Terravera focuses on evaluating the regrinding process of CNC tools, encompassing key stages:

1. Transportation: Assessing emissions for transporting used tools to the regrinding facility.

2. Grinding Process: Calculating emissions from energy consumption and tool coating during regrinding.

3. New Tool Production: Comparing the footprint of regrinding with the emissions from producing new tools​.

Key Achievements

1. Preliminary Carbon Footprint Insights:
   Initial modeling offers a baseline estimate of emissions associated with regrinding versus producing new tools. While early indications suggest potential reductions, these figures are derived from an entry model and are subject to further refinement through deeper analysis and detailed modeling.

2. Circular Economy Potential:
   Preliminary insights highlight the potential for extending tool lifespan to reduce raw material extraction and waste. Promoting reuse and recycling aligns with circular economy principles, but these findings remain under development and require further validation.

3. Data-Driven Decision Foundation:
   Terravera’s models are in the early stages of development and provide an initial framework for guiding sustainability efforts. Further analysis will enhance the accuracy and credibility of these insights to support transparent and evidence-based decision-making.

Why It Matters

In an industry facing increasing pressure to reduce emissions and embrace circular practices, Aarbakke sets a new standard for sustainable manufacturing. By partnering with Terravera, Aarbakke is not only achieving its goal of becoming the most sustainable supplier in their field but also inspiring the broader industry to adopt data-driven sustainability solutions​.

Let’s Build a Sustainable Future Together