Ikonics Industrial Solutions PMP Machining - Compares to Ultrasonic Machining

Overview	Process Summary	Capabilities	Advantages	Process Comparison
Applications	Examples	Video	Conclusion	Contact Us

THE PHOTO-MACHINING PROCESS COMPARES WITH:

Ultrasonic Machining
Ultrasonic machining is a slow process that requires a high capital cost and skilled labor. Ultrasonic machining/milling has inherent imitations in pattern size and symmetry. There is also a continued cost in tool design and wear replacement. Ultrasonic Machining/Milling is inherently more difficult to engrave contoured and interior surfaces.

Rotary Tooling/Milling - (Handheld and CNC)
Rotary milling requires a significant capital investment and skilled labor is needed for automation. On brittle materials, there is also the potential for uncontrolled chipping or the need for burr removal. Milling of large areas and contoured surfaces is slow and expensive.

Laser
Laser processes require a larger capital investment. Material removal rate can be slow for large areas. It is more difficult to engrave contoured surfaces and there is the potential for laser/raster marks and micro-cracking.

Electric Discharge Machining (EDM)
Electric discharge machining can only be used with conductive materials. The cutting is slow and can create micro-pitting. EDM can be automated but needs CNC programming and skilled labor. Also, this process requires a large capital investment. The tooling can be expensive and needs replacing with wear. It is more difficult to engrave contoured and interior surfaces.

Grinding
It is difficult to isolate area of material removal and therefore patterning of surfaces is limited. It is more difficult to grind contoured and interior surfaces and there is the potential for uncontrolled chipping. This is a slow process.