The mechanism of material removal in ultrasonic drilling of engineering ceramics

Abstract A new method for drilling holes in engineering ceramics by using a rotary ultrasonic tool has been developed. In this method, a drilling tool impregnated with abrasive particles is simultaneously rotated and vibrated. The mechanism of ultrasonic drilling is analysed using the concept of fracture mechanics and a new theoretical model of material removal rate (MRR) is proposed. According to this model, the material removal rate increases with increases of applied static load, amplitude of vibration and rotation speed of the drilling tool. Test results show that ultrasonic drilling is an effective method for machining engineering ceramics.