Ultrasonic machining

Description

This technology was implemented as part of a transfer of technology from ONERA – National Laboratory for Aerospace Research – who developed it for its own needs. The technology contributed amongst other things to the manufacturing of electrode plates in silica for space accelerometers – GOCE project from ESA. Principle The principle is based on an electrical current – at a given frequency that fits within the field of ultrasounds –converted into a mechanical vibration that is transferred to a machining tool. The vibration frequency of the tool corresponds to the frequency of the electrical signal – in this case 20 KHZ. Our ultrasonic machining process differentiates itself from other processes because machining is carried out without contact between the tool and the part. Equipment A resonating block made up of piezoelectric ceramics transfers the vibration to the tool through the sonotrode. The mechanical expansion of the tool – so-called tool elongation – can be adjusted and...