ELECTROCHEMICAL MACHINING (ECM) ELECTROCHEMICAL MACHINING (ECM) Manufacturing high-precision surfaces in an efficient manner with minimal workpiece finishing time is a primary objective of manufacturing engineers working in fields such as aerospace, transportation and energy. Components that have intricate shapes with very low finishing tolerances are often needed. The effects of component stress as a result of the manufacturing process are also a concern for components that will be functioning under extreme operating conditions. The Extrude Hone ECM machining process provides solutions that will give you the results you need when precision, consistency, time and quality are critical. ECM deburring - radiusing Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a method that finishes the workpiece surfaces by means of anodic metal dissolution. The machining tool is the cathode (-) that acts under DC current and in the presence of an electrolyte fluid to create the anodic reaction that removes workpiece (+) surface material in a precise manner. How the ECM Process Works: The electrolyte solution transfers charge in the gap between the cathode and workpiece, which causes electron transfer from the workpiece to remove surface material. The separation distance between the cathode and the workpiece is key to regulating the material removal process. The shape of the cathode determines the final shape of the workpiece or the impression (imaging) placed upon the workpiece. The speed of material removal is dictated by the DC current applied. The amount of material removed is defined by Faraday’s Laws. The material removed during the process must be filtered out of the electrolyte stream in order to maintain constant electrolyte quality in the gap between the cathode and the workpiece. The workpiece material must be corrosion resistant. Our ECM Tooling Provides the Edge. The fixture including the tool (cathode) is a critical element of the Electrochemical machining (ECM) process because its properties and shape determine where and how much material is removed from the workpiece. The cathode is designed to maintain a gap between itself and the workpiece surface. The electrolyte flowing between the cathode and the workpiece (the anode) ensures the removal of the material when flushing the gap. Because the cathode never comes into contact with the workpiece, the tooling has no process-related wear. Our team of manufacturing professionals will work with you to determine the best possible tooling design for your project. Trust our experts to manage these key process considerations: Ensuring that the design of the cathode fits the workpiece area to be machined using insulation to protect the workpiece from the ECM process in other areas. Controlling the gap by designing the appropriate fixtures including cathodes. Providing short circuit detection at the DC source. Ensuring the cathode is made out of electrically conductive materials. Defining the best electrolyte for the application including use of NaCl, NaNO3. ECM microstructuring Applications Benefits The Extrude Hone® Electrochemical Machining (ECM) Process provides a high level of precision on components that are difficult to manufacture by conventional methods. This makes ECM ideal for the following surface machining applications: Contouring / Shaping: Creates a pre-defined 3D surface profile. This is accomplished through mapping of the cathode geometry into the workpiece. Radiusing: Creates a defined edge rounding. An example is the treatment for gears. Polishing: Optimizes the surface characteristics of the workpiece. Deburring: Removes burrs at bore exits and at intersecting holes in a workpiece caused by conventional drilling. Micro Structuring: Creates defined surface structuring to optimize the tribology at the component surface – retaining oil at a bearing surface. EXTRUDE HONE In industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical, precision finishing of machined parts is critical to the refinement of end product performance levels. Our machines improve the precision of finished product profiles with complete processing in a fraction of the time required by other methods. In fact, our Extrude Hone® line of machining solutions can reach, shape and perfect surfaces you can’t even see to provide improved performance you can measure. Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Imprint Purchasing Conditions Extrude Hone In industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical, precision finishing of machined parts is critical to the refinement of end product performance levels. Our machines improve the precision of finished product profiles with complete processing in a fraction of the time required by other methods. In fact, our Extrude Hone® line of machining solutions can reach, shape and perfect surfaces you can’t even see to provide improved performance you can measure. Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Imprint Purchasing Conditions RECENT NEWS EXTRUDE HONE FEATURED IN “MANUFACTURING TODAY” ECM (ELECTROCHEMICAL MACHINING) SOLVED RACL GEARTECH KEY PROJECT DEBURRING ISSUE. YOU HAVE PURCHASED ECOFLOW100 FOR DIE POLISHING. LET US DO IT FOR YOU! CAREERS Work for EXTRUDE HONE Find a Job Send Us Your Resume CONTACT US EXTRUDE HONE support team is ready to assist. Product Support: Email | Call Order Support: Email | Call © 2013-2021 Extrude Hone. All rights reserved. UA-73818232-1