Machining of insulated materials by scanning-electrochemical discharge machining

Abstract

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) can create fine shapes on insulated materials by generating electric discharges in an electrolyte. An ECD machine can be built in compact size. The authors have developed a lathe-type ECD machine and have obtained machined surfaces with few cracks. In this report, a prototype of a milling machine by ECDM for 3D shape machining wasbuilt, and shape machining wastried by scanning the discharge position. In basic experiments, the removal amount wasincreased with an increase of scanning times of a tool electrode on the workpiece.