| Abstract: | Electrochemical machining (ECM) is widely used nowadays in a great variety of processes, especially in the aero and auto industries. The main machining processes, where high tool feed rates are required, are drilling, cavity sinking, broaching and grinding. In addition, the non-equilibrium machining processes, where stationary electrodes are utilized, have important practical applications in the fields of deburring and embossing. Electrochemical honing is a non-equilibrium process. EC honing is a new technique which, in spite of being used in some industrial plants, is still not fully described, requiring more information about the process. This work presents a comparative study, between rotating and non-rotating electrodes for the enlargement of conventionally pre-drilled holes. The comparison covers the rate of metal removal, dimensional accuracy, surface finish and power consumption. The beneficial advantages of using high rotational speeds on component accuracy are verified. The results emphasize that each process has its own particular characterization, appropriate field of application and tooling system. |
