ECM Technologies is specialized in Electrochemical Machining, the international orientated company ECM Technologies offers innovative electrochemical research and consultancy in the field of metal machining. In the recent years ECM Technologies has carried out electrochemical research for several companies worldwide working in the field of aerospace, medical, jewellery, automotive, and energy industry.
Electrochemical Machining (ECM) is a non-conventional metal machining technique based on electrolysis, in which metal is anodic machined, dissolving locally with a high accuracy. Michael Faraday (1791-1867), known as the greatest experimenter ever, stood at the basis of the principles of electrolysis.
Through the gap (varying from 5 to 100 μm) between work piece (anode) and electrode (cathode), an electrolyte is flushed which function is to conduct the current in the gap and to carry off the reaction products formed during the process. By conducting an electrical current through the anode, electrolyte and cathode, anodic material will be dissolved locally until the product reaches the desired shape.
Advantages of the ECM technique as;
- 'No' tool wear.
- The hardness, toughness and thermal resistance do not affect the Material Removal Rate (MRR), it is also of no importance if the machining occurs before or after a hardening step.
- MRR is 1,5 cm3/min at 1000A DC and is independent of the type of material. Hard and tough alloys can be machined at the same speed as for instance Aluminum.
- After machining the product is free from burrs.
- Works on the principle of contact free machining. The process brings no thermal or physical tension in the product. No top layer deformation as known to be formed in other machining techniques.
- 3-D products can be machined in a single step.
- High surface quality is feasible (Ra <0,05 μm), depending on the material.
- High dimensional accuracy is feasible.
- Material tension which is released during the process is being counter balanced if possible.
