What Is an Ultrasonic Polishing Machine?
Ultrasonic polishing machines are polishing machines that use ultrasonic waves.
They are useful in situations that are difficult to handle with conventional large abrasives, grinders, and tools. Ultrasonic polishing machines are characterized by their ability to perform polishing operations efficiently. This is done by attaching a blade or grinding wheel to the tip of the machine and applying minute vibrations at tens of thousands of times per second.
The high polishing performance also enables processing in a short time, contributing to improved productivity. Furthermore, the ultrasonic polisher can be used for micro-structured surfaces and brittle materials, enabling processing that has been difficult with other types of polishers.
Because of these features, ultrasonic polishing machines are used in a wide range of fields, and further applications are expected as this technology continues to evolve.
Uses of Ultrasonic Polishing Machines
Ultrasonic polishing machines are suitable for pinpoint polishing and finishing operations and can be used to process fine details. In particular, they are utilized for deburring electronic parts and precision equipment. Ultrasonic polishing machines can efficiently remove burrs from minute areas that are difficult to approach with conventional polishing machines.
They are also useful in the engraving and precious metal processing fields. Because of their ability to work with fine detail, they can create beautiful designs using advanced processing techniques. In addition, the polishing process reduces alteration and distortion of the material, making it suitable for processing precious jewelry.
Principle of Ultrasonic Polishing Machines
Ultrasonic polishing machines use ultrasonic micro-vibrations to perform polishing, and depending on the uses of the machine, they can be used for ultrasonic spindle processing or ultrasonic abrasive processing.
Both types of polishing are performed by sending ultrasonic vibrations to the tip, causing minute vibrations of tens of thousands of times per second. Depending on the frequency of these vibrations, it is possible to adjust the accuracy of the processing and the polishing speed.
1. Ultrasonic Spindle Processing
This method involves attaching a grinding wheel to the tip of an ultrasonic polishing machine and polishing the surface. A horn is connected to the grinding wheel, which rotates to send ultrasonic vibrations to the grinding wheel.
Cutting oil is applied to the polished surface for efficient polishing. The surface can be polished to a high degree of accuracy.
2. Ultrasonic Abrasive Grain Processing
This is a method of polishing by pouring minute abrasive grains under an ultrasonic polishing machine. Here, too, ultrasonic vibrations applied to the horn are transmitted to the processing tool at the tip. However, it is the abrasive grains underneath that actually grind the surface. It is possible to polish minute holes and large surfaces at the same time.
Types of Ultrasonic Polishing Machines
There are several types of ultrasonic polishing machines, mainly handheld, table, and automated types. It is important to select the ultrasonic polishing machine that best suits your application and work environment.
1. Hand-Held Type
Hand-held ultrasonic polishing machines are small, hand-held, hand-operated polishing machines. Due to their compactness, they are especially suited for polishing small spaces and fine details. Their portability also makes them convenient for on-site work.
2. Table Type
Table type ultrasonic polishing machines are those that work on a fixed work table. They are suitable for precision processing and mass production, and enable high-precision polishing in a stable work environment.
3. Automated Type
Automated ultrasonic polishing machines combine robots and automatic transfer systems to perform polishing operations automatically. They ensure high productivity and polishing quality while reducing the burden on the operator. They are suitable for large-scale production lines and repetitive tasks.
4. Micro Type
Micro ultrasonic polishing machines are used when polishing of very small dimensions is required. They are suitable for processing the smallest parts of electronic components and medical devices, and are characterized by their precision. They are used in fields where extremely high polishing precision is required.
5. Underwater Type
Submersible ultrasonic polishing machines are specialized for underwater polishing work. They have a waterproof structure suitable for underwater work and are used for maintenance and repair work on ships and underwater structures. They are also effective in reducing the scattering of polishing dust, contributing to an improved work environment.