High-Voltage Pulse-Assisted Electrochemical Machining

Abstract

In this paper, a new method of electrochemical machining (ECM), where high-voltage pulses are intermittently supplied to electrodes during low-voltage pulsed ECM, is presented. The properties of this method are compared with those of a conventional low-voltage pulsed ECM method using a 0.3 mm φ electrode. We found that this method enables us to machine a workpiece using ECM conditions that are difficult to use in the conventional ECM method, such as low electrolyte concentration and low pulse duty ratio. This method also enable us to machine a workpiece without strong flushing. The machining speed of this method is increased almost 3-6 times that of the conventional ECM method. A small side gap width comparable to the gap width of EDM is achieved using a low-density NaNO 3 electrolyte.