Unconventional Machining Process | Non Traditional Manufacturing Process | Modern Machining Methods

Modern Unconventional Machining Processes:

An unconventional machining process is a great way to create unique and interesting parts for your project. By using a process that is not common, you can create a part that is not only functional, but also visually appealing. There are a number of different unconventional machining processes available, so it is important to choose the right one for your project.

There are many different types of machining processes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some processes, like traditional machining, are well-known and widely used. Others, like unconventional machining, are newer and not as well-known. Unconventional machining is a process that uses non-traditional tools and methods to create or modify parts. It can be used to create parts that are difficult or impossible to create with traditional methods.

In the past two decades some ultra hard and difficult to process of metals and alloys are not easy to manufacture, but continuous research on this field will produce rapid growth in this modern machining technology. The concept of material removal by Conventional edged tool machining is uneconomical for such harder and difficult to manufacturing materials and the degree of accuracy and surface finish attainable is poor.

These edged tools machining involving plastic deformation and formation of chips has been known to man for several hundred years. The higher strength level would have a disastrous effect on the total machining bill if there was no corresponding improvement in machining technology.

In view of the significance of this problem, Merchant (1960) highlighted the need for the development of newer concepts in metal machining; By adopting a integrated plan and utilizing the results of basic and applied research, it has now become possible to process some of the materials which were formerly considered to be unmachinable under normal conditions.

Some of these methods have been commercially exploited while others are still in their experimental stages. The so developed newer machining processes are often called as “modern machining processes” or “unconventional machining processes”.

The name unconventional implies that conventional tools are not engaged for metal cutting; rather energy is utilized in its direct form.

Modern machining processes are classified according to the type of fundamental machining energy employed, such as mechanical, electrochemical, chemical or thermoelectric.

Classification of Unconventional Machining Processes

PROCESS SELECTION IN UNCONVENTIONAL MACHINING PROCESS

To make effective utilization of advanced machining methods, it is important to know the precise character of the machining issue. It is to be comprehended that:

(i) these methods cannot replace the conventional machining processes and

(ii) a particular machining method found suitable under the given conditions may not be equally efficient under different conditions.

A careful assortment of the procedure for a given machining issue is fundamental.

Important Parameters to be considered during the Unconventional Machining Process

Before selecting the process to be employed, the following aspects must be studied:

1. Physical parameters.
2. Properties of the work material and the shape to be machined.
3. Process capability.
4. Economic considerations.

When comparing the physical parameters of modern machining processes, it may be noticed that both EDM and USM require approximately the same power, whereas ECM consumes roughly forty times more power than EDM. ECM consumes much greater power, it is an excellent method for drilling long slender holes with length/dia ratio > 20. It can be seen that for the machining of electrically non-conducting materials, both ECM and EDM are unsuitable, whereas the mechanical methods can achieve the desired results.