Electrolytic Micro Machining Technology
The electrolytic machining process that has been used for many years to machine airfoil surfaces in turbine engine applications and critical features in diesel injection nozzles is emerging as a machining process for features in the 1 to 100 micron range. Like Electrochemical Machining (ECM), Electrolytic Micro Machining is a very fast area based machining process. In most cases, all features can be machined simultaneously in two to three seconds or less. The technology draws upon the basics of ECM which is an application of Faradays Law to metal removal. Tooling that consists of precise cathodes and fixtures are critical to the machining outcome, as are other factors such as electrolyte parameter selection. Using pulsed direct current to achieve high current densities with necessary “relaxation” time, can enable the process to machine in a predictable manner. Tooling is not consumed in the traditional sense, therefore, the economics of the process for medium to high volume production is very attractive.