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Variation

Electric Chemical Machining

Also called electrochemical machining, electric chemical machining (ECM) uses a current carrying electrolyte to wash away metal ions from a workpiece. The workpiece is usually made from brass, copper, bronze, or stainless steel. The electrolyte is a highly conductive salt solution as is flowed between the workpiece and tool quickly so as to prevent metal ions from plating onto the tool.

Currents can be supplied from 5 to 40,000 amps with a supplied DC power of 5 to 25 volts. The mass removal rate depends only on ion exchange rate and thus material electric properties only. Cutting speeds and surface finish are comparable to EDM.