Electrochemical discharge machining: A review

Abstract

In this study, progress and sort of electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) that was developed to manufacture the micro features like micro grooves, micro pillar, micro holes and micro channels etc. were investigated. Many materials can be machined regardless of material conductivity, hardness and strength by ECDM using electro chemical machining (ECM) and electric discharge machining (EDM) combination. Researchers developed electrochemical discharge drilling (ECDD), turning (ECDT), grinding (ECDG), milling, dressing, trepanning, wire ECDM, die-sinking ECDM, rotary ECDM, powder mixed ECDM, magnetic field assisted ECDM, vibration assisted ECDM methods. Pyrex, glass, stainless steel, cermet, soda lime glass, quartz, silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, borosilicate glass, diamond crystals, e-glass/epoxy composite, kevlar/epoxy composite and silicon wafer were used as a work piece. Effects of machining voltage and drilling depth on mean diameter, influence of tool travel rate on groove width and depth and effects of voltage types on micro holes accuracy and machining type etc were investigated. This review is to discuss the results of studies and applicability of this methods. It sums up also with a vision for future research in electrochemical micromachining.