The theoretical aspects of the cutting mechanism under the conditions of lowtemperature cold air were researched, and brittleness phenomenon of the metal material at a low temperature was analyzed. In order to research the influences of the lowtemperature cold air on material cutting performance, the lowtemperature cold air turning tests were conducted, and test results were analyzed from the cutting force, the tool wear, the workpiece surface quality and etc. As compared with the traditional machining, the low temperature cold air cutting can reduce cutting force, tool wear and improve the surface roughness of the workpiece.