To reduce energy demand in manufacturing, it is important to make products using the most energy
efficient process plan and resources. In machining, understanding the factors that influence the electrical
energy demand for CNC toolpaths is vital in order to determine the optimum machining conditions to
minimise energy demand. In this study, a new model for estimating the electrical energy demand of
machine tool feed axes which incorporates the weights of feed axes and weights of the materials placed
on the machine table is presented. This was achieved by studying the electrical energy demand for
machine tools when air cutting in defined axis directions, carrying a range of masses, and in actual
cutting, while the electrical current was measured. The newly proposed model was validated on milling
CNC toolpaths. The information enabled the development of suggestions for reducing energy demand.
The energy reduction hypothesis developed was explored and validated by machining components in
defined orientations on the machine table. The results are important for manufacturers in industry when
process planning. The information is also valuable for the range of machine tool design and
manufacturing companies in the development of energy efficient machine tools.