Electrodischarge

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 442.

Laser

Plasma Arc

Unconventional Machine Tools

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Unconventional machine tools include plasma-arc, laser-beam, electrodischarge, electrochemical, ultrasonic, and electron-beam machines. These machine tools were developed primarily to shape the ultrahard alloys used in heavy industry and in aerospace applications and to shape the materials used in such electronic devices as microprocessors.

Plasma-arc machining (PAM) employs a high-velocity jet of high-temperature gas to melt material in its path. The materials cut by PAM are generally those that are difficult to cut by any other means, such as stainless steels and aluminum alloys.

Laser-beam machining (LBM) is accomplished by accurate manipulating a beam of coherent light to vaporize unwanted material. LBM is particularly used to making accurately placed holes in refractory metals and ceramics and in very thin materials and can be used for welding.

Electrodischarge machining (EDM) employs electrical energy to remove metal from the workpiece. A pulsating high-frequency electric current is applied between the tool point and the workpiece, causing sparks that vaporize small areas of the workpiece. EDM can produce shapes which cannot be produced by any conventional machining process.