Patent ID: 6566623
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B23H

Abstract:
Electrical discharge machining apparatus for removing material fl-em a conductive work piece comprising:a) a rotatable electrode having a generally circular cross section including a peripheral surface, said electrode being arranged for rotation about its longitudinal axis; b) drive means for continuously rotating said electrode about its longitudinal axis to bring successive portions of said peripheral surface into close proximity to the surface of the work piece such that electrical discharge machining of the work piece surface occurs while other portions of said electrode peripheral surface rotate through a location remote from the work piece surface; c) a dressing tool at said remote location for dressing said electrode peripheral surface; d) a monitor for monitoring and indicating changes in the character and condition of said electrode peripheral surface from certain starting parameters; and e) said dressing tool being operable on said other portions of said electrode peripheral surface as said other portions rotate through said remote location in response to a change in the character and condition of said electrode peripheral surface for dressing said electrode peripheral surface and restoring said starting parameters.