The extensive use of cutting fluid in cutting process not only increases the cost of machining, but also brings environmental pollution and even endangers the health of operators. Dry cutting is one of the effective methods to solve these problems. Dry cutting does not use any cutting fluid, which not only reduces environmental pollution, but also avoids the cost of post-treatment of cutting fluid. The research status of dry cutting technology，the characteristics of dry cutting technology and the application of dry cutting technology were introduced.The relevant technical problems that need to be solved to realize dry cutting technology were analyzed mainly, such as the selection of cutting tool materials, the optimization of tool geometry parameters and the optimization of machine tool structure, and etc. Finally, the development trend of dry cutting technology in the future is pointed out.