Ultrasonic-assisted ultra-precision turning of zinc-selenide with straight-nosed diamond tools

This study proposes a novel ultra-precision machining technology that uses ultrasonic vibration and a straight-nosed diamond tool to improve the processing of the brittle optical material zinc selenide (ZnSe). This research addresses the challenges posed by Poisson's effect in ultrasonic vibration-assisted single-point diamond turning, which causes bending vibration along the depth of cut, resulting in lower machining efficiency and surface quality. This study analyses the relationship between one-dimensional ultrasonic vibrations at the diamond tool edge and induced bending vibrations using both theoretical and experimental methods. By investigating ultrasonic vibration dynamics in the feed direction and at the straight cutting edge, the results showed that ultrasonic vibration helps to improve the ductile-brittle transition ratio of the cutting area and surface quality. These improvements are accomplished by regulating the cutting position at the tool cutting edge, adjusting cutting parameters, and optimizing ultrasonic parameters. The machined surface roughness of ZnSe is reduced by approximately 30–46 % at higher feed rates under ultrasonic vibration with straight-nosed diamond tools. The findings demonstrate the potential of this novel technology to reduce tool wear and brittle fractures, resolving the challenge of ultra-precision machining for optical materials.