Ultrasonically Assisted Machining of Aircraft Parts

摘要

A tool post for ultrasonic activation of cutting tools on a turret lathe was designed, fabricated and given preliminary evaluation on a LeBlond engine lathe, turning difficult-to-machine wrought metal alloys, including ESR 4340 steel, 4340 steel, 9310 steel, 17-4 PH steel, several titanium alloys and Refractaloy 26. With the ultrasonic assist, metal removal rates were increased by factors up to 730 percent, tool wear and tool breakage were reduced and tool chatter was eliminated. Ultrasonically cut chips had a larger curl radius, lower hardness and less heat discoloration than conventionally cut chips. It was recommended that the ultrasonic tool post be refined and installed on a turret lathe for evaluation in a production environment. (Author)