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With the increasing use of difficult-to-machine materials in aerospace applications, machining requirements are becoming ever more rigorous. However, traditional single-point diamond turning (SPDT) can cause surface damage and tool wear. Thus, it is difficult for SPDT to meet the processing requirements, and it has significant limitations. Research indicates that supplementing SPDT with unconventional techniques can, importantly, solve problems due to the high cutting forces and poor surface quality for difficult-to-machine materials. This paper first introduces SPDT and reviews research into unconventional techniques for use with SPDT. The machining mechanism is discussed, and the main advantages and disadvantages of various methods are investigated. Second, hybrid SPDT is briefly described, which encompasses ultrasonic-vibration magnetic-field SPDT, ultrasonic-vibration laser SPDT, and ultrasonic-vibration cold-plasma SPDT. Compared with the traditional SPDT method, hybrid SPDT produces a better optical surface quality. The current status of research into unconventional techniques to supplement SPDT is then summarized. Finally, future development trends and the application prospects of unconventional assisted SPDT are discussed.