Question

Ceramics and glass are machined by:

• A. electric discharge machining
• B. ultrasonic machining
• C. electrochemical machining
• D. transferred arc plasma machining

Hint:

Ultrasonic machining is an effective method for machining brittle materials like ceramics and glass using high-frequency vibrations and abrasive particles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Ceramics and glass are hard and brittle materials, which makes them difficult to machine using traditional methods. Therefore, specialized machining techniques are required.

Step 1: Understanding Ultrasonic Machining
Ultrasonic machining (USM) is a non-traditional machining process that uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to remove material. In this process, a tool oscillates at ultrasonic frequencies while in contact with the workpiece. The tool is usually made of a hard abrasive material, and it is immersed in a slurry of abrasive particles.

Step 2: Other Methods
Electric discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical machining (ECM) are also used for machining hard materials, but they are more commonly used for metals, not for ceramics and glass.
Transferred arc plasma machining is typically used for cutting and welding metals, not ceramics or glass.

Step 3: Conclusion
Therefore, ultrasonic machining (USM) is the most suitable method for machining ceramics and glass because it can handle brittle materials effectively by using abrasive particles and ultrasonic vibrations.

Thus, the correct answer is (B) ultrasonic machining.