VIDEO: How Oscillating Cutting Tools Break Application Barriers in Machining

ULTRASONIC 20 linear oscillates cutting tools up and down up to 10 microns, 50,000 times a second.

You know in modern high production, multi-axis machining, the assumption is that as you’re spinning your tool, sending chips flying – simple as that… But can this simplicity limit the performance of the machine?

In the video above we talk with Luke Ivaska, national product manager of advanced technology at DMG MORI USA, about the ULTRASONIC 20 linear.

This machine capitalizes on oscillation of the cutting tool for better performance in cutting of brittle and hard materials (ceramics and oxides), composites (glass reinforced plastics and carbon fiber) and milling aerospace alloys (Inconel and titanium).

“We’ve built a special tool holder in-house that allows the cutting tool to oscillate up and down up to 10 microns, up to 50,000 times a second,” said Ivaska.

“How this happens is all based on a resonant frequency of the tool. It’s all automatically scanned and controlled inside the control of the machine, with benefits across a number of technology segments.”

The speed in which the cutting tool can oscillate creates a shearing factor at the cutting edge, resulting in a number of benefits, Ivaska explained.

“When processing composite materials, we no longer have to process the tools. We can do it all with solid carbide tooling to direct net, typically 40 percent faster at an ordinary feed rate.”

For more information about the ULTRASONIC 20 linear, watch the video above or visit us.dmgmori.com.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.