REVIEW ON ULTRASONIC MACHINING

Ultrasonic machining is of particular interest for the cutting of non- conductive, brittle workpiece materials such as engineering ceramics. Unlike other non-traditional processes such as laser beam, and electri cal discharge machining, etc., ultrasonic machining does not thermally damage the workpiece or appear to introduce significant levels of res idual stress, which is important for the survival of brittle materials in service. The fundamental principles of ultrasonic machining, the m aterial removal mechanisms involved and the effect of operating parame ters on material removal rate, tool a ear rate and workpiece accuracy are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the machining of engineering ceramics. The problems of producing complex 3-D shapes in ceramics ar e outlined. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.