The process is based on Faraday's Law of electrolytic dissolution of conductive metals. A virtual mirror image tool (cathode) is fixed a short distance from the workpiece surface (anode). A conductive electrolytic solution is then pumped through the tool to the workpiece separation gap.

When DC voltage is applied, a current flows between the tool and workpiece, causing metal dissolution at the anode in areas adjacent to exposed cathode surfaces. The amount of material removed is controlled by fixing all parameters to pre-established values and controlling the machining time as the material removal variable.

An area machining process, µECM, selectively machines contoured features determined by the cathode (tool) design. The tool never touches the workpiece; nor is it consumed in the process. These characteristics result in an accurate, highly repeatable process with rapid machining times that produce final surface and edge conditions.

Material hardness or conventional machinability do not adversely affect µECM capabilities. Simple and complex geometry can be machined within the same cycle time; multiple components can be machined simultaneously.

Click here to see an example of the µECM process
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