2. Ultrasonic abrasion machining

2.1 Principle

Ultrasonic abrasive machining involves projecting very hard abrasive particles onto the workpiece, using a sonotrode vibrating at ultrasonic frequency (20 kHz or more). The particles are carried into the work zone by a carrier fluid, usually water (figure 1 ). Material is removed by shearing, erosion and abrasion caused by the abrasive grains. This action results in material removal from the workpiece, wear on the sonotrode and wear on the grains.

• Two main mechanisms are recognized for material removal:

  • mechanical action due to the projection and hammering of abrasive grains against...