Ultrasonic machining

Ultrasonics have been used in several ways for machining metals. Lathe tools may benefit from deliberately-induced vibrations to prevent "chatter" which compromises the surface finish of the finished component. Ultrasonic drills, used on very hard ceramics, work by grinding or eroding material away - a liquid slurry around the drill bit contains loose hard particles which are smashed into the surface by the vibrations, eroding material away and creating more loose hard particles.