Patent ID: 6103094
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: B23H

Abstract:
In the method of electrochemical drilling using an electrochemical drilling machine in which an insulating hollow cathode is positioned in closely spaced relation to an anodically charged workpiece, the insulating hollow cathode and the anodically charged workpiece having an associated power supply, and a highly conductive electrolyte is passed through said cathode to become cathodically charged and to impinge on said workpiece to initiate hole drilling, the improvement which comprises:operating the power supply in a current regulating mode;monitoring-amperage output from-the power supply to the drilling machine;maintaining a constant amperage output from the power supply to the drilling machine by manually monitoring amperage output from the power supply and using internal regulating means in the power supply to output a constant current to the drilling machine, wherein the internal regulating means comprises an ammeter in series with a variable resistor; andadvancing the cathode-at a constant rate toward the workpiece to initiate hole drilling while maintaining the electrolyte flow and current substantially constant.