Research of electrolyte low loss in typical ECM gaps

This paper presents the results of research of hydraulic loss during electrolyte flow through gaps typical for ECM machining. The research was conducted on a test station where inducing an oscillatory movement of electrodes was possible. Appropriately prepared electrodes with curvilinear outlines were placed in a machining unit which allowed for measuring the pressure of the electrolyte flow in eight points on the electrode surface and also interelectrode gap inlet and outlet. Additionally, the results of pressure measurements were compared with results obtained from a computer simulation.