General Electric Company

John Malott Cottrill

Andrew Lee Trimmer

Bugra Han Ertas

Douglas Carl Hofer

Douglas E Lewis

Methods and systems of electrochemically machining a component are provided. The method may include applying two or more potentials to a tool electrode comprising an array of two or more individual electrodes to generate two or more electric fields in between the tool electrode and a workpiece opposite of the tool electrode, wherein each of the two or more electric fields is generated by one of the array of two or more individual electrodes.

Methods and systems of electrochemical machining

Methods and systems of electrochemically machining are provided. The methods may include applying a first potential to a tool electrode of an electrochemical machining system to generate a primary electric field. The electrochemical machining system may include a workpiece opposite the tool electrode, at least one bias electrode, and at least one fluid delivery channel within the at least one bias electrode. The method may further include applying at least one second potential to the at least one bias electrode. The method may further include delivering a charged electrolyte solution through the at least one fluid delivery channel into the electrolyte solution. Applying at least one second potential and the delivering the charged electrolyte solution generates at least one secondary electric field adjacent to the primary electric field and quenches at least one location of the primary electric field.

A method of operating an electrochemical machining system includes selectively performing an electrochemical machining process by an electrochemical machine of the electrochemical machining system in a macromachining mode or a micromachining mode by controlling a purity level of a machining liquid supplied to the electrochemical machine.

Methods and systems for electrochemical machining

Electrochemical machining of parts employs electric or voltage pulses in which current flows in a first direction and a second direction opposite from the first direction. The cathodic/anodic pulses switch between bulk machining and oxide removal pushing bulk material removal into a homogenous regime to obtain a smooth surface finish and appropriate form control during the electrochemical machining process compared to electrochemical machining employing an electric or voltage potential in which current flows in only one direction.

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Franklin, OH, United States of America

John Malott Cottrill