This section describes a variety of processes and effects related to ultrasonic stress relief for materials processing, replacing conventional heat-treatment processes which can be energy-intensive and / or impractical for large components. Some of the beneficial effects include:
Fast stress relief
Fatigue life extension
Accelerated aging and material-properties stabilization
Early detection of mechanical defects
Ability to treat components too large for any oven
Algae, Barnacles & Biofilm removal
Surface implantation of different particles and powders
Quenching and hardening
Improved surface coating
Coatings over welds to extend fatigue life
Accelerated neutralization of free radicals
Polymerization
De-polymerization Degassing and de-bubbling. Improved alloying and casting
Production of homogenous biocompatible alloys. Facilitated implantation and/or penetration
Enhanced cleaning and sterilization
Deep capillary cleaning
One or more of a variety of treatment methods may be used depending on the required effects and equipment limitations, eg. size and access. The methods used include:
MMM ultrasonic (screw-on / clamp-on)
Ultrasonic bath
Ultrasonic vapor chamber
Ultrasonic sand blasting
Ultrasonic chemical etching,
Shot and ball peening
Many applications will be described in detail in the following pages, including: