ABSTRACT
The performance of machining processes can be enhanced in terms of material removal rate, machinability, product accuracy and surface characteristics by introducing thermal, vibration or magnetic assistance. In this chapter, the assisted machining processes are considered. The thermal assisted machining refers to a traditional machining process in which an external energy source (laser, or plasma) is used to enhance the chip-generation mechanism and, and improve the machinability of difficult-to-cut metals and alloys. For achieving good surface finish, high accuracy and high precision at low cost, vibration or ultrasonic vibration is introduced to any of the workpiece, tool, and in some processes to the working medium during the vibration assisted machining. Magnetic field-assisted processes are non-traditional processes in which the machining forces are controlled by a magnetic field. There are two types of magnetic field-assisted processes: magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF), and magnetic float polishing (MFP). Both are discussed in this chapter.
