FAQ
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Is electrochemical machining of interest for every material?
ECM can only be applied on conductive materials, mainly metals.
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Why should I use ECM instead of other machining techniques?
ECM is not always the best solution, but if you would like to machine complex shapes in metals which are difficult to machine by conventional techniques, ECM will be of high interest.
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Can I drill holes with ECM?
Holes can be drilled with ECM in metals, but in that case it is called ECD (Electrochemical Drilling). ECD is performed with an acid instead of a pH neutral solution and aspect ratio (length/diameter) are feasible e.g. you can drill a hole of 2mm diameter up to 800mm depth.
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ECM is known as an environmental unfriendly process, is this true?
It was true! The ECM machine is now using a closed loop system and the electrolyte is re-used indefinitely by applying high quality filtration systems. these systems were unknown several decades ago. There is no drain to the sewer, only the removal of dissolved material. Depending on the sludge composition, this can be re-used in other processes.
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Is ECM a dangerous process?
ECM itself is not dangerous. But by dissolving materials with Chromium the carcinogen Cr(VI) can be formed which will dissolve into the electrolyte. By adding a Cr(VI) reduction agent it will be reduced to the non toxic Cr(III) and will be filtered out of the electrolyte. To prevent any exposure of ECM operators to Cr(VI) and to prevent overdosing of reduction agent it is important to measure the Cr(VI) level in the electrolyte. ECM Technologies is developing a Cr(VI) sensor and a first prototype is expected to be ready in Q3 2010. For more interest contact us by the contact form.