Product category:
EDM wire and diesinking, miscellaneous equipment
News Release from: Impulse ECM | Subject: Impulse ECM 50 machine
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 16 September 2004
ECM produces complex parts, erodes at
1000mm3/min
ECM has resolved the problem of a large gap of 4-5mm between the electrode and the workpiece, reducing this to 20 microns to allow complex parts to be produced and erode at 1000mm3/min.
Electro chemical machining (ECM), previously the province of university research departments and specialist aerospace applications, has been made everyday technology by Gloucestershire based Impulse ECM with the launch of its new Impulse ECM 50 machine The Impulse process pioneered by the company has resolved the problem of a large gap of 4-5mm between the electrode and the workpiece, reducing this to as little as 20 microns
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 18 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Previously, with a large gap, the electrode and the job were a completely different shape, making it nearly impossible to manufacture complex parts.
Steve Duffield, Technical Director of Impulse ECM, explained, "The ECM 50 is capable of metal removal rates of 1000mm3/min in a machine with the same footprint as an EDM machine.
The very small gap enabled by the Impulse process, and the absence of force on the workpiece, allows the manufacture of very intricate shapes." ECM is capable of producing fine surface finishes.
Routinely, 0.1 micron Ra can be achieved while, with care, finishes can be improved to 0.03 micron Ra, providing a unique combination of speed and quality.
Because ECM is essentially electroplating in reverse, electrode wear is negligible, resulting in further significant benefits.
Steve Duffield continued, "It is possible to manufacture at least 50 cavities from one electrode.
Additionally, roughing electrodes are unnecessary, dramatically reducing the number required and cutting preparatory work before ECM can start." Paul Denton, Impulse ECM's Managing Director, is confident about the potential of the new technology, "There are clear benefits for companies in the jewellery, medical, aerospace, pharmaceutical and precision toolmaking industries.
Combining superior surface finish with metal removal rates a factor of 100 times faster than EDM will bring significant cost savings and production efficiencies." About Impulse ECM - formed to promote the development sales and marketing of ECM technology, Impulse ECM draws on the skills of its founders who between them have many years of experience in EDM and ECM, building and refurbishing specialist machinery to serve Europe and America.
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