Ultrasonic elliptical vibration transducer driven by single actuator and its application in precision cutting

The ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting has been successfully applied to precision cutting due to its superior performances, such as low cutting force, high quality surface finish and long tool life. This paper presented an asymmetrical structural model of the ultrasonic elliptical vibration transducer with only the longitudinal excitation. Based on the modal and static analysis with finite element method, various parameters of the model were modified to meet the needs of the vibration modality and the inherent frequency. A cutting system of the ultrasonic elliptical vibration driven by single longitudinal actuator was developed and the effect of the transducer amplitude and cutting depth on the cutting force was studied in detail. A part with surface roughness of Ra 0.08 μm was achieved. The results showed that the ultrasonic elliptical vibration transducer can be designed rationally with finite element method and single driven ultrasonic elliptical vibration machining can be used in precision cutting.