The effect of some electrode design factors on electrochemical deburring (ECD)

Electrochemical deburring (ECD) is rapidly coming into its own as the preferred method for the removal of metal burrs produced during machining. It has found several applications in the aircraft, aerospace and motor car industries. This is especially true when the burrs are located at difficult–to–reach areas, such as, e.g. intersections of drilled holes within a workpiece. The design of the necessary fixture and tools (electrodes) has a considerable effect on the performance of the ECD process. The position of the exposed uninsulated length of the electrode, the electrode material and the working gap are some of the most important electrode design factors affecting the ECD process. In spite of their importance they have not received sufficient attention from previous investigators. The aim of the present paper is to determine the effect of those factors on the performance of the deburring process.