Performance evaluation of a giant magnetostrictive rotary ultrasonic machine tool

A giant magnetostrictive rotary ultrasonic machine tool (GMRUMT) with a large and stable amplitude output was developed. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the performance and technological characteristics of the GMRUMT by conducting large amplitude experiments of rotary ultrasonic machining. Combined with the transducers’ characteristic curves of vibration amplitude versus frequency, the GMRUMT has the advantages of greater amplitude, higher power, and better stability compared with the conventional piezoelectric actuated rotary ultrasonic machine tool. The vibration stability of the GMRUMT during the machining process was evaluated by carrying out the rotary ultrasonic face milling of quartz glass and the measurement of the actual ultrasonic amplitude. The processing performance of the GMRUMT was evaluated by obtaining the cutting force, the critical feed rate, and the edge-chipping size at the exit hole via rotary ultrasonic drilling experiments. The tool life was evaluated by observing the abrasive wear of the tool. Finally, the GMRUMT was studied in a stable amplitude output condition via tuning to verify the machining advantages of the GMRUMT.