New possibilities of machining and electrodischarge alloying of free-form surfaces

The electrodischarge-based surface machining and alloying process has been used for more than 40 years. The authors have elaborated a new variety of this method which employs the tool electrode in the form of a rotating brush consisting of wires. The electrode is elastically pressed against the machined surface. This machining can be employed for removing or depositing material, depending upon applied machining conditions. This modified machining method offers the following possibilities: machining of surfaces of complex shapes, high productivity, and ease of process automation.