What micro-mechanical testing can reveal about machining processes

For many years, the machining community has dedicated significant efforts to investigate microscopic scale level phenomena during material removal process. On one hand much research been carried out in relation workpiece surface integrity after and methods for its study. other hand, studies have replicate conditions at scales using high resolution setups. Although these two topics seem be little related, there is an opportunity of take advantage advanced testing/investigation setups that enable strands performed very repeatability, thus giving new pathways this field. Here we are flagging up opportunities offered by micro-mechanical testing can in-situ scanning electron microscopes (SEM) or high-resolution imaging instruments. As such, review paper discusses recent advances for: (i) understanding occurring (sub) surfaces operation performing (e.g. compression/bending micro-pillars/beams) within particular zones machined superficial layers; (ii) studying mechanisms micrometric common indenters edges understand how materials groups/single grains) react cutting conditions. Finally, comment on possible future instruments could help advance processes.