Related techniques
Several techniques are briefly described below that are related to electrochemical processes and handling. This will provide you with information on the various techniques available as well as a description of the terminology.
ECD - Electrochemical Deburring
ECD makes it possible to electrochemically remove burrs on products. This technology is widely used in the automotive sector, for example the removing of burrs on engine parts.
ECD - Electrochemical Drilling
ECD technique, also known as STEM (Shaped Tube Electrolytic Machining), is used to manufacture for example cooling channels in products which can be characterised by the large length/diameter relation, where lengths of up to 800mm are not uncommon and aspect ratio (length over diameter) of 400 is achievable.
CE - Chemical Etching
Chemical Etching is a technique applied to machine parts without introduction of strain. The material is locally dissolved by the aid of chemistry. By masking parts of the product some selectivity can be achieved. The level of accuracy and the speed are quite low.
EDM - Electrical Discharge Machining
Spark erosion is one of the accurate manufacturing processes available where the material is removed by electrical discharges. The disadvantage is that the electrical discharge between the work piece and the electrode can change the micro-structure of the product. At the same time the electrode is susceptible to wear. Furthermore, EDM is identified by its slow machining speed compared to ECM.
Plating
By means of plating a work piece is covered by a micro layer, common are chrome, nickel and zinc plating. The electrical circuit is similar to ECM, with the difference that plating techniques use a liquid with a high concentration of metal ions and use a much lower current density. In the plating process the work piece is the cathode and the tool electrode, usually a plate, is the anode.
AM - Anodic Machining
Anodic machining in literature is a synonym for ECM.
ECP - Electrochemical Processing
Electrochemical Processing in literature is a synonym for ECM.
ECP - Electrochemical Polishing
Electrochemical Polishing is a technique used to polish metal products by use of electricity and chemistry. This technique has been used for decades as a successful electrochemical process in a variety of industries.
EPP - Electrolytic Plasma Polishing
Electrolytic Plasma Polishing is a technique used to polish parts as ECP by submerging a metal part into and electrolytic bath, but in this case a plasma is created to polish parts in a very short time and by limited material removal.
ECG - Elctrochemical Grinding
Electrochemical Grinding is a special variation of ECM by using a grinding wheel as tool instead of a special designed electrode shape.
ECM - Electrochemical Milling
Electrochemical Milling is a special variation of Electrochemical Machining by using a milling tool as electrode instead of a special designed electrode shape.