Abstract
In this paper, we describe a method of obtaining tungsten carbide alloy pins with diameters from 14 to 60 μm in 11 to 12 min by electrochemical machining (ECM) with an ultralow-concentration electrolyte. To improve the machining accuracy, workpiece rotation and ultrasonic washing during machining were adopted. It was found that thinner pins with better axial symmetry were obtained with such rotation and ultrasonic washing. Furthermore, the effect of electrolyte concentration was investigated using NaNO3 aqueous solution. It was found that the adhesion of by-products to pins was reduced using NaNO3 aqueous solution over a certain concentration and that the machining speed was improved by increasing current through an increase in electric conductivity.
