A method for processing a workpiece made of hard metal for producing a tool main body on a numerically controlled machine tool with tool-carrying work spindle, comprising: accommodating a tool holder that holds a tool on a tool support of the work spindle of the machine tool, wherein the tool holder comprises a vibration generator for generating a vibration of the tool, and processing the workpiece which is clamped on the machine tool and is made of hard metal by the vibrating tool held on the tool holder for working out one or more recesses at the workpiece for producing the tool main body.

A method for processing a workpiece on a numerically controlled machine tool by a tool includes the steps of: controlling a relative movement of the tool relative to the workpiece for processing the workpiece, producing an ultrasonic vibration of the tool by an ultrasonic generator, detecting at least one sensor signal outputted from the ultrasonic generator and identifying a change in the material at the workpiece while controlling the relative movement of the tool relative to the workpiece on the basis of the at least one sensor signal outputted from the ultrasonic generator.

An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool and a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system.