Moore, David (Bullen Industries, Eaton, OH, USA)

Source: Carbide and Tool Journal, v 18, n 6, Nov-Dec, 1986, p 21-23

Abstract: Ultrasonic impact grinding is the use of ultrasonically induced vibrations delivered to designed tool, combined with an abrasive slurry, to produce accurate cavities of regular and odd shapes in hard, brittle materials. This machining process is non-thermal, non-chemical, non-electrical and creates no change in the metallurgical, chemical, or physical properties of the material machined. Ultrasonic impact grinding is the conversion of a high frequency electrical signal into mechanical motion which is acoustically transmitted through a metal toolholder and cutting tool. This linear oscillation is typically at a rate of 20,000 times per second and is used with an abrasive slurry flowing around the cutting tool to microscopically chip the material away. The machined area becomes an exact counterpart of the cutting tool used in the operation; therefore, the types and shapes of cuts to be made are almost limitless. In English.