ABSTRACT
Ultrasonic machining (USM) is the removal of hard and brittle materials using an axially oscillating tool at ultrasonic (US) frequency (18-20 kHz). During that oscillation, the abrasive slurry of B4C or SiC is continuously fed into the machining zone, between a soft tool (brass or steel) and the workpiece. The abrasive particles are, therefore, hammered into the workpiece surface and cause chipping of fine particles from it. The oscillating tool, at amplitude ranging from 10 to 40 μm, imposes a static pressure on the abrasive grains and feeds down as the material is removed to form the required tool shape (Figure 10.1).
