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An aqueous electrolyte solution in the gap between anode and cathode closes the electric circuit. The electrolyte is the carrier of the ions needed for the process, it dissipates generated heat and discharges dissolved material. The workpiece contour is produced as a result of the tool being advanced. Due to the process-related permanent flow of electrolyte solution between tool electrode and workpiece the components are not in direct contact with each other so that neither electrode nor the machining process itself is impaired by wear.

As per DIN 8580 categorizing manufacturing methods ECM is classified as an eroding process; for more detailed information refer to VDI Guideline 3401, Part 1.




The ECM Process

*The benefits:* Surface quality Rz<10µm No crystal structure changes Extremely hard materials Short machining time Freeform surfaces No burrs
The ECM process removes metal by electrolytic dissolution until the specified shape of a workpiece is obtained. The workpiece to be machined is connected to a positive pole (anode) and the tool electrode to a negative pole (cathode) of an external DC voltage source. The tool electrode has the shape of the workpiece contour to be produced.
An aqueous electrolyte solution in the gap between anode and cathode closes the electric circuit. The electrolyte is the carrier of the ions needed for the process, it dissipates generated heat and discharges dissolved material. The workpiece contour is produced as a result of the tool being advanced. Due to the process-related permanent flow of electrolyte solution between tool electrode and workpiece the components are not in direct contact with each other so that neither electrode nor the machining process itself is impaired by wear. As per DIN 8580 categorizing manufacturing methods ECM is classified as an eroding process; for more detailed information refer to VDI Guideline 3401, Part 1.