INTRODUCTION

Unconventional machining (UCM) process is completely non-mechanical. In this process, there is no chip formation. Melting and evaporation of unwanted metal or removal of the metal in the form of powder due to brittle fracture of the metallic layers performs machining operation. These processes are used for machining of difficult profile and for very hard materials

  Main Characteristics of UCM

• The main characteristics of UCM can be summarized as follows:
• There is no chip formation.
• No residual stress set-up in work materials.
• There is no mechanical contact of tool and work materials.
• Tools wear is lesser compared to conventional process.
• Tool need not to be harder than work material.
• Better surface finish and close tolerance may be achieved.
• Intricate shape, very hard, and fragile materials can be machined.
•   Important UCM Processes
• Some important unconventional machining processes discussed in this text are listed as follows:
• Abrasive jet machining (AJM).
• Ultrasonic machining (USM).
• Electrochemical machining (ECM).
• Photochemical blanking (PCB).
• Electro-discharge machining (EDM).
• Electron beam machining (EBM).
• Laser beam machining (LBM).
• Plasma arc machining (PAM).