Ultrasonic Machining: In this method the workpiece does not
come into contact with the machining tool as they are separated by a liquid
in which abrasive grains are suspended and which is given the desired suspension
by mixing equal volumes of water and fine grains of boron oxide together.
The mixture is driven at high velocity against the workpiece by a tool that
vibrates at low amplitudes and high frequencies. The tool is slowly fed into
the piece so the shape of the tool is formed in the part due to the oscillation
of the tool.
Abrasive-Jet Machining: In this method liquids with abrasive
particles suspended in them are forced out of a nozzle under very high pressure
which results in a jet stream that is used in deburring, drilling, the cutting
of thin sheets and sections and similar processes.
Chemical Machining: In chemical machining, after the surfaces
which are not to be machined are covered with neoprene rubber or enamel, the
piece is dipped in a chemical etch that reacts with the unprotected metal
and dissolves the chemical compound that results. Very fine details can be
attained from this method, as well as high quality, chip-free surfaces.
Electrochemical Machining: Electrochemical machining uses anodic
dissolution to remove material from the workpiece. The tool, a copper ring
that is connected to a cathode and is separated from the part by a small gap
through which an electrolyte rapidly flows, determines the shape of the piece.
Low-voltage, high-amperage direct current is used. The amperage plays an important
part in deciding the rate of metal removal during the electrochemical machining
process.
Electrodischarge Machining: Electrodischarge machining removes
metal through an electric arc between the electrode, which forms the shape
of the finished piece, and the workpiece. The two are kept apart with a dielectric
liquid which is pumped through the area between them. This liquid also serves
as a coolant and removes the metallic dust that has been taken from the surface
of the workpiece. Sparks, generated by a pulsating direct-current power supply
that is connected to the work and the tool, occur across the gap between the
electrode and the workpiece, which ionizes the fluid.
Please submit any questions or comments concerning this website to njsalamon@psu.edu.
© by Meghan Henty & N. J. Salamon 1999, 2000. All rights reserved.
Redesigned by William C. Chow 2000.