Abstract
Since electrochemical machining (ECM) is a contactless machining method, it is necessary to detect and control the gap-width to estimate the machining amount and improve the machining speed and accuracy. In this study, a tool electrode capable of detecting the gap-width via the suction pressure was proposed. In this method, the electrolyte is confined and circulated beneath the tool electrode using a single suction pump. It was found that the electrolyte is successfully circulated using the pump. In addition, the suction pressure indicates the gap-width and the pressure signal can be used to control the tool electrode feed.
