Electrochemical cutting using tubular cathodes: response surface approach

SUMMARY

The use of tubular cathodes considerably widens the technological possibilities in ECM of large-size components, especially if the allowance (area to be machined) is removed in solid form.

The present paper reports experimental investigations on this technique in the electrochemical cutting operation. Experiments were carried out to study the influence of machining parameters such as feed rate, applied voltage, electrolyte conductivity and electrolyte flow-rate on the width of cut, electrolysing current and volumetric metal removal rate.

Experiments were planned on the basis of response-surface methodology (RSM) technique. Three mathematical models correlating process parameters and their interactions with response parameters have been achieved. These models can be used in selecting optimum process parameters for obtaining the desired controlled width of cut with restricted consumed current.