Patent ID: 6355156
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B23H

Abstract:
A method of monitoring an electrochemical machining process, comprising the steps of:embedding an ultrasonic sensor in an electrochemical machining tool to provide a tool assembly; situating the tool assembly in a spatial relationship with a workpiece; flowing an electrolytic fluid at least between the tool and the workpiece; connecting the tool and the workpiece to a source of electrical power; generating an acoustic wave from the ultrasonic sensor so as to propagate from the tool through the electrolytic fluid to the workpiece; receiving reflections of the acoustic wave from the workpiece; and based on the propagated acoustic wave and the reflections thereof, calculating measurement of at least one of a group consisting of (a) size of a gap between a cutting surface of the tool and a first working surface of the workpiece facing the cutting surface and (b) thickness of the workpiece between the first working surface of the workpiece and a second working surface thereof facing away from the first working surface.