Electrochemical surface grinding

Following a brief introduction to the history of electrochemical grinding this paper concentrates on two surfacing techniques; peripheral grinding and face grinding with table traverse. Faraday´s Laws are fundamental to any electrochemical process but in ECG the mechanical contribution to metal removal is equally significant. There are many more operating parameters than with conventional grinding and all interrelate to affect efficiency, accuracy and controllability. The supply and distribution of electrolyte solution to the working zone is particularly important not only with regard to removal rate but also unwanted side-effects. Advantages offered by ECG include elimination of mechanical and thermal cracking, no induced stresses, considerable reduction in wheel wear, independance of material hardness and no burrs. The process is therefore very important and the authors´ aim is to encourage activity in an area of technology where the results of interdisciplinary research and development can still have serious industrial significance.