What method does ultrasonic machining use to achieve shaping of workpieces?

Ultrasonic machining achieves shaping of workpieces primarily through the use of vibrating tools that are immersed in a slurry composed of abrasives. This method relies on ultrasonic waves, which cause the tool to vibrate at a high frequency, typically in the range of 20 kHz to 40 kHz. The vibrations generate high-energy impacts between the tool and the workpiece, allowing abrasive particles in the slurry to remove material effectively.

The process is particularly useful for machining hard and brittle materials, which are typically challenging to work with using conventional cutting methods. By using abrasive particles in combination with ultrasonic vibrations, this method provides high precision and the ability to produce intricate shapes and features in difficult materials.

Other methods mentioned do not align with the operational principles of ultrasonic machining. Mechanical cutting, high-speed rotating tools, and heat transfer for cutting are separate machining techniques that do not utilize the principles of ultrasonic vibrations combined with an abrasive slurry as the primary mechanism for shaping workpieces.