page_title: Electrochemical machining
section_title: Setup and equipment
hierarchical_section_title: Electrochemical machining / Setup and equipment
caption_attribution_description: English: ET 3000
context_page_description: Electrochemical machining is a method of removing metal by an electrochemical process. It is normally used for mass production and is used for working extremely hard materials or materials that are difficult to machine using conventional methods. Its use is limited to electrically conductive materials. ECM can cut small or odd-shaped angles, intricate contours or cavities in hard and exotic metals, such as titanium aluminides, Inconel, Waspaloy, and high nickel, cobalt, and rhenium alloys. Both external and internal geometries can be machined.
  ECM is often characterized as "reverse electroplating", in that it removes material instead of adding it. It is similar in concept to electrical discharge machining in that a high current is passed between an electrode and the part, through an electrolytic material removal process having a negatively charged electrode, a conductive fluid, and a conductive workpiece; however, in ECM there is no tool wear. The ECM cutting tool is guided along the desired path close to the work but without touching the piece. Unlike EDM, however, no sparks are created.
context_section_description: ECM machines come in both vertical and horizontal types. Depending on the work requirements, these machines are built in many different sizes as well. The vertical machine consists of a base, column, table, and spindle head. The spindle head has a servo-mechanism that automatically advances the tool and controls the gap between the cathode (tool) and the workpiece.
  CNC machines of up to six axes are available.
  Copper is often used as the electrode material. Brass, graphite, and copper-tungsten are also often used because they are easily machined, they are conductive materials, and they will not corrode.
caption: An ET 3000 ECM machine by INDEC of Russia
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