Quick Finishing of WEDM Products by ECM Using a Mate-Electrode

Abstract

A quick finishing method is proposed for surfaces which are produced by wire-EDM. The process is basically a kind of electrochemical machining. The remainder part of the wire-cut material is used as a ‘mate-’ electrode. A NaNO₃ solution is used as the electrolyte and flows through the gap between the workpiece and the mate-electrode. The experimental results show that the surfaces of many different kinds of metals, including tool steels, can be finished until mirrorlike within a few seconds. The technique can be applied not only to dies, but also to any parts produced by WEDM.