Rotary Ultrasonic Machining of Titanium Alloy: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Due to their unique properties, titanium alloys are attractive for some unique applications especially in the aerospace industry. However, it is very difficult to machine these materials cost-effectively. Although many conventional and non-conventional machining methods have been reported for machining them, no reports can be found in the literature on rotary ultrasonic machining of titanium alloys. This paper presents an experimental study on rotary ultrasonic machining of a titanium alloy. The tool wear, cutting force, and surface roughness when rotary ultrasonic machining of the titanium alloy have been investigated using different tool designs and machining conditions. The results are compared with those when machining the same material with diamond grinding.