This document discusses electrochemical machining (ECM), a non-traditional machining process that removes metal through an electrochemical process. ECM can machine extremely hard materials like titanium or carbide by acting as the cathode in an electrolytic cell, while the workpiece acts as the anode. Metal is removed from the workpiece as an electric current flows between the two electrodes in an electrolyte like salt water. ECM allows for intricate internal and external geometries to be machined and is capable of machining hard metals that other methods struggle with.

1. ELECTROCHEMICAL MACHINING
(ECM)
BY,
ARAVINDKUMAR B

2. INTRODUCTION
 Electrochemical machining is a method of removing
metal by an electrochemical process.
 It is a non-traditional machining process belonging to the
electrochemical category.
 It is used for machining extremely hard materials or
materials that are difficult to machine using conventional
methods.
 Its use is limited to electrically conductive materials.
 The process has the capabilities of machining or cutting
the intricate contours or cavities in hard steel such as
titanium, Hastelloy, Kovar, Inconel, and Carbide.
External as well as internal geometries can be machined
with an electrochemical machine.

3. MECHANISM OF MATERIAL REMOVAL IN ECM
 The workpiece and tool are the anode and cathode respectively.
 In the electrolytic cell a constant potential difference, usually of
about 10 V is applied across them.
 A suitable electrolyte, for example an aqueous sodium chloride
(table salt) solution is commonly chosen.
 In-order to remove the products of machining, the electrolyte is
pumped through the gap between the two electrodes.
 The rate at which metal is then removed from the anode is
approximately in inverse proportion to the distance between the
electrodes.
 As the machining proceeds there is a simultaneous movement of
the cathode towards the anode.
 The width of the gap along the electrode length will gradually
tend towards a steady-state value.
 Under such conditions, a shape which is roughly complementary
to that of the cathode will be reproduced on the anode.

6. ADVANDAGES

7. DISADVANTAGES