Abstract
Precision machining methods for insulated materials are demanded in various fields. The authors have proposed a lathe-type machine for electro-chemical discharge machining (ECDM) to prevent heat accumulation in a glass workpiece. In this report, an electrode feeding method at constant velocity was compared with that at constant pressure experimentally. An electrode was mounted on a 2-axis force sensor or a rigid support. Because the force sensor was flexible, the friction between the electrode and a workpiece caused the deflection of the force sensor in its lateral direction, and the machined surface became uneven. Once the ridges were generated, they trapped the electrode and grew much. When the electrode was mounted on the rigid support and fed at constant velocity, the machined surface was smooth.
