Processes and Equipment of Plasma Electrolytic Treatment of Metals and Alloys

Processes and equipment of plasma-electrolytic chemical-thermal treatment and electrolytic-plasma polishing were analyzed. The analysis encompassed a group of methods based on immersion of workpieces in an electrolyzer, as well as a method of local treatment by jet feed of an electrolyte to an area of the surface being treated. The analysis detected the influence of the design and characteristics of the electrolyzer, power source, and system for feeding the workpiece into the electrolyte on the specifics of plasma electrolytic treatment methods. Techniques that improve the quality and capacity of treatment were considered. Limitations of the applicability of existing equipment were determined, and prospects for improving the development of processes and equipment for plasma electrolytic treatment were characterized.