E. Uhlmann, S. -E. Holl, and  N. A. Daus

Source:   Abrasives Magazine,  October/November 2000

Abstract: Despite a number of successful developments in the field of ceramics finishing, the persistent problem is that a predominant part of the production cost arises from hard machining processes to obtain the required ceramics component quality. The most common machining process applied is grinding which permits a variety of kinematic modifications and high material removal rates. By superimposing certain grinding kinematics with ultrasonic vibrations it is moreover possible to increase considerably performance and hence economic efficiency. Ultrasonic assisted grinding was developed from findings and results gained with ultrasonic machining. Back in the 1950s the results were first implemented in ultrasonic machining with bound grain [Col56]. In the course of the following decades, a number of investigations was published which combined various grinding processes with ultrasonic [Mar77, Ner77, Hoi81, Dam93, Pei95, Zap98]. A common characteristic of these investigations is the proof that the effect of ultrasonic lead to an increase of the obtainable materials removal rate. The results obtained for surface qualities are not uniform. On the other hand, investigations on removal and wear mechanisms are hardly to be found in literature. Nevertheless, knowledge of these correlations is of utmost importance for the comprehension of the process. Only with  this knowledge will it be possible to design the machines and the basis for and industrial application of this manufacturing process.