Orbital-abrasion-assisted electroforming of non-rotating parts

A novel technique of electroforming with orbital moving cathode was carried out for the fabrication of non-rotating thin-walled parts. This technique features a large number of insulating and insoluble hard particles as a real-time polishing to the cathode. When cathode moves, hard particles polish its surface and provide the nickel non-rotating parts with near-mirror finishing. Morphology, microstructure, surface roughness and micro hardness of deposits fabricated by novel method were studied in contrast with the sample produced by traditional electroforming methods. Theoretical analysis and experimental results showed that the novel technique could effectively remove the hydrogen bubbles and nodules, disturb the crystal nucleation, and refine the grains of layer. The mechanical properties were significantly improved over traditional method. The microhardness of the layer was in a uniform distribution ranging from 345 HV to 360 HV. It was confirmed that this technique had practical significance to non-rotating thin-walled parts.