Patent ID: 8906221

Claim:
A method of rounding an edge of a first slot within at least a second slot of a component at an interface between surfaces of the first slot and the at least second slot, the method comprising: providing a electrochemical grinding tool comprising a drilling assembly, a conductive bit, means for rotating the conductive bit about an axis thereof, and means for applying an electrical potential to the conductive bit; inserting the conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool into the second slot; applying an electrolyte solution between the first slot and the conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool; applying the electrical potential to the conductive bit and the component to create a potential gradient between the conductive bit and the edge of the first slot; and removing material from the edge of the first slot by displacing the conductive bit in a direction towards the edge and along an axis of rotation of the conductive bit to remove the edge by creating a depression in the component, the depression being recessed into the component and having rounded edges.