CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES VERSUS NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES: ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CRITERIA

Abstract

In practice, decision-makers in manufacturing and related industries often face a critical challenge: should they continue investing in established, conventional technologies, or adopt newer, non-conventional alternatives that offer improved sustainability but involve higher complexity and operational uncertainty? These decisions require careful consideration, as they involve trade-offs between cost, environmental impact, social benefits, and long-term operational resilience. This study presents a practical decision-making framework based on the Analytical Criteria Method Matrix (ACMM), a form of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), to systematically evaluate conventional and non-conventional CNC technologies. The framework enables organizations to align technology adoption with strategic objectives—whether prioritizing operational efficiency, reducing environmental footprint, or enhancing workplace safety and employee well-being. The framework is applied to a comparative case study of conventional CNC systems using standard coolant and fossil-based energy versus non-conventional systems employing cryogenic cooling and renewable energy. The results demonstrate that while conventional technologies are often more cost-effective in the short term, non-conventional alternatives achieve superior overall sustainability when economic, environmental, and social factors are considered holistically. This framework is intended for engineers, project managers, and decision-makers in manufacturing who require a structured yet flexible tool for evaluating technology options. Beyond supporting smarter investments, it encourages the adoption of responsible and sustainable innovations in both emerging and established industrial practices.