Optimized hierarchical and network approach to discover sustainable practices for micro-machining technologies

Abstract

Implementing sustainable practices in micro-machining technologies presents complex challenges that require a thorough understanding of field-specific sustainability information and environmental impacts. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed methodologies for sustainable micro-machining. This study presents an enhanced approach that integrates text mining and hierarchical thematic network analysis to investigate sustainable practices in micro-machining. By analyzing a comprehensive range of scientific literature from recent decades, the study identifies key themes organized into a four-level hierarchical structure for sustainable micro-machining practices, categorized into three principal areas: “Feature,” “Methodology,” and “Target,” providing detailed insights into sustainable practices. Additionally, network theory is applied to construct a thematic network for each theme, evaluating critical metrics such as in-degree, out-degree, betweenness, and closeness, with a detailed interpretation of the theme content for sustainable practices. The proposed approach identifies essential sustainable practices in micro-machining and highlights their significance in advancing sustainability, offering valuable insights for developing effective micro-machining strategies. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]