Add-On Electrolyte Cleaning Unit

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a process by which material can be removed in micron increments, reaching areas unreachable by other methods. To support the ECM process, Kennametal Extrude Hone has designed an electrolyte cleaning unit called HYDROM as an add-on to electrochemical machines. According to the company, it delivers constant electrolyte quality to ensure constant gap for improved quality and process stability.

During electrochemical machining, an electrolytic solution (water and specialized salts) flows over the workpiece surface while a DC current is applied between the tool and the workpiece. The amount of material removed is determined by the amount of electrical current flowing between the negatively charged tool and the positively charged workpiece. The tool is normally designed to have a mirror image of the final surface of the workpiece. Since the tooling, known as a cathode, never touches the workpiece, there is virtually no tool wear in the process. Typical deburring and polishing times are fast - between 10 and 30 seconds for most applications, according to Kennametal. Depending on production requirements and the workpiece size, multiple part fixturing can be used to obtain high production rates.

"Now making the process even more effective is the HYDROM add-on cleaning unit," said a company spokesperson. "Combine HYDROM with a chamber filter press (CFP) and reduce disposal costs on filter cake by up to 10%. CFP cleaning time can be reduced by up to 6x, and cathode tool life is extended. Accordingly, machine availability increases."

HYDROM can be delivered with new ECM equipment or as an add-on to existing machines of all brands.

For more information contact:

Kennametal Inc.

P.O. Box 231

1600 Technology Way

Latrobe, PA 15650

724-539-5000

www.kennametal.com/extrudehone