Electrochemical Machining - Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages

Because the tool does not contact the workpiece, its advantage over conventional machining is that there is no need to use expensive alloys to make the tool tougher than the workpiece. There is less tool wear in ECM, and less heat and stress are produced in processing that could damage the part. Fewer passes are typically needed, and the tool can be repeatedly used.

Disadvantages are the high tooling costs of ECM, and that up to 40,000 amps of current must be applied to the workpiece. The saline (or Acidic) electrolyte also poses the risk of corrosion to tool, workpiece and equipment.