Experimental Studies in Electro-Machining

Three separate studies are discussed: (a) The effect of operating voltage, on electrochemical machining of tungsten carbide, was found to be very important, determining whether machining occurred or not. Best results were obtained in the 50–60 region. (6) “Discharge machining of glass” was studied in a system in which discharges between a tool and an electrolyte cause erosion of the glass. While the mechanism of erosion has not been identified, drilling rates up to 0.1 in/min. have been obtained. (c) Bubbles, formed by electrochemical machining (H₂), behave as though positively charged. Interaction between the “charged” bubbles and an a-c field produce a desirable dispersion of the bubbles.