ECM/ECD

ECM (Electro chemical machining), ECD (Electro chemical deburring), ECG (Electro chemical grinding) is a process or a method of removing a metal by anodic dissolution. Using a conductive electrolyte flowing through the electrode gap, between cathode and anode (Work) and after applying DC current, predictable volumes of metal can be removed from the anodic substrate, the amount and rate of material removal is proportional to the process current and time.

Principal of ECM

• Continuous Electro chemical Machining (CECM)

  In continuous ECM fixed or variable voltage or current is applied and there is flexibility in designing a working gap. The rate of metal removal with the increased working gap may well control. Elimination of burr irregular and different size with the choice of electrolyte concentration can be achieved. Process cycle time can be reduced to great extent in continues ECM Process.

• PULSE Electro chemical machining (PECM)

  ECM Process can be well controlled with Pulsed current or voltage. Pulse Electrochemical Machining involves the application of a voltage pulse at high current density in the anodic dissolution process.  Machining precision and improved surface finish are the benefits of Pulse ECM (PECM). Small interelectrode gap, low electrolyte flow rate, gap state recovery during the pulse off-times lead to improved machining accuracy and surface finish when compared with ECM using continuous current. Pulse ON time, pulse OFF time, pulse ratio, and cycle time, are the parameters of electrochemical pulse machining. 

• Micro Electrochemical Micro machining (MECM)

  The same principles that apply for Electrochemical Machining also apply for micro ECM, except that there is a much greater level of precision required in the tooling and the process control. The ability of MECM in rapidly generating a stress-free and crack-free smooth surface on any electrically conductive material (irrespective of hardness) capable of producing features a few microns deep makes it an excellent choice as a micro production process.

Electrochemical deburring is ideal for selective (controlled) deburring and the removal of burrs that are inaccessible with most other processes. For parts having surfaces that cannot be altered or scratched, ECD is often the only possible method of deburring. It’s suitable for deburring component parts. After heat treatment & precise machining.

Advantages

• The components are not subject to either thermal or mechanical stress.
• There is no tool wear during Electrochemical machining.
• Complex geometrical shapes can be machined repeatedly and accurately.
• A time saving process comparing with conventional deburring.