Abstract
Electrochemical Machining (ECM), with its specific merits of high machining rate and smooth, damage-free surface generation, is suitable for producing complex shapes in difficult-to-cut metals. Improvements in shaping accuracy and tool design, however, are needed for its full acceptance by the manufacturing industry. This paper introduces a new three-dimensional numerical control electrochemical machining (NC-ECM) system which combines numerical control technique with the ECM process using simple tool electrodes. The purpose of the combination is to simplify tool design and acquire direct local interelectrode gap control. The NC-ECM system and the process characteristics are described. A dynamic interelectrode gap model is developed using the 'modified Cosθ method'. The model can be used for dimensional accuracy prediction and tool path design after calibration with experimental data. Preliminary work on dimensional accuracy analysis and control is also reported. Both laboratory research and industrial applications indicate that NC-ECM shows a great potential to supplement the existing ECM technology with more active accuracy control and simplified tooling as well as improved flexibility.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages | 33-45 |
Number of pages | 13 |
State | Published - 1990 |
Event | Winter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Dallas, TX, USA Duration: Nov 25 1990 → Nov 30 1990 |
Other
Other | Winter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
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City | Dallas, TX, USA |
Period | 11/25/90 → 11/30/90 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering