Proposal and Verification of Electrolyte Suction Tool with Function of Gap-width Detection

Since electro-chemical machining (ECM) is a non-contact machining method, it is necessary to detect and control the gap-width in order to estimate the machining amount and improve the machining speed and accuracy. In this research, a tool electrode which is capable of detecting the gap-width by the suction pressure was proposed. With this method, the electrolyte is confined and circulated beneath the tool electrode by a single suction pump. It was found the electrolyte is successfully circulated by the suction pump. In addition, experimental results showed that the suction pressure indicates the gap-width and the pressure signal can be successfully used to control the tool electrode feed.