Removal Mechanism of Glass Using Lathe-Type Electrochemical Discharge Machine

Abstract

A lathe-type machine for electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) has been developed for machining cylindrical parts made from insulating materials. In this paper, the removal mechanism of glass was experimentally investigated by measuring the machining forces with a two-axis force sensor during ECDM. The tangential force at an applied voltage of 40 V was larger than that at 0 V while the normal force was controlled. The amplitude of the tangential force was increased and the cycle lengthened during ECDM. Soluble and sticky sodium silicate was generated by the chemical reaction of silica glass with sodium ion. This removal process mainly caused dissolution of the sodium silicate into electrolyte.

Electro-chemical spark machining–based hybrid machining processes: Research trends and opportunities

“…The rotational speed of the workpiece assists the supply of fresh electrolyte into the gap between the workpiece and tool-electrode resulting in higher material removal and reduction in the surface cracks. 80 Instead of this, the feeding mechanism for workpiece during turning ECSM is not required resulting in reduction in the complexity. This process becomes beneficial for turning of different profilers such as cylindrical turning, taper turning, step turning and thread turning operations.…”

“…Only limited numbers of published article are available on turning ECSM process. Furutani and Arai 80 tested the performance of turning ECSM during machining of glass with thin diameter of tool-electrode in the presence of sodium silicate electrolyte fluid. They analyzed the different cutting forces related to turning, which were measured by two-axis sensor-type force measuring instrument.…”