PARAMETRIC OPTIMIZATION AND iNVESTIGATION OF ULTRASONIC TURNING PROCESS

Abstract

Ultrasonic Turning (UST) is of particular interest for the cutting of non-conductive, hard and brittle work piece materials, which are otherwise very difficult to machine by conventional machining. This is a variant process of ultrasonic machining (USM) These include high strength, stainless and heat resistant steels and alloys, titanium, ceramics, composites, glass and other non-metallic materials. These materials may not be suitable for conventional methods of machining due to the chipping or fracturing of the surface layer, or even the whole component, which results in a poor quality of the workpiece. Unlike other non-conventional processes such as laser beam, and electrical discharge machining, etc., Ultrasonic Turning does not thermally damage the work piece or appear to introduce significant levels of residual stress, which is important for the survival of brittle materials in its working lif. The principles and the mechanism of material removal of ultrasonic turning process is same as for ultrasonic machining i.e. erosion. The fundamental principles of Ultrasonic Turning the effect of operating parameters on material removal rate. tool wear rate and surface roughness are reviewed and the parametric optimization olthe process is being done.