Patent ID: 6565734
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: C25F

Abstract:
An electrochemical process using current density controlling techniques, comprising:(1) measuring a contact point, including: (1) sinking a cathode rod activated with a negative voltage into an electrolyte within a container; and (2) feeding a cylindrical electrode having a predetermined length and activated with a positive voltage toward a surface of said electrolyte until the electrode comes into contact with the electrolyte while measuring a contact point, at which an electric current initially flows into the electrolyte; (2) preparing for etching, including: (1) feeding the electrode to the surface of the electrolyte (2) removing the applied voltage from the electrode; and (3) sinking the electrode in the electrolyte by a length, which is predetermined on the basis of said contact point and to which the electrode has to be etched; (3) setting initial values, including: a target length of the electrode, a target diameter of the electrode, an electrochemical equivalent volume constant of the electrode, a current density, and etching intervals; (4) etching, including: (1) applying voltages to both the electrode and the cathode rod to electrochemically machine the electrode; and (2) continuously obtaining a variable surface area of the electrode, the amount of applied current, the amount of electricity according to the applied current, and a variable diameter of the electrode in accordance with a lapse in etching time; and (5) determining whether the diameter of the machined electrode from the etching is equal to the target diameter, thus repeating the etching until the target diameter of the electrode is accomplished or stopping the etching when the target diameter of the electrode is accomplished.