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In simple terms, ECM (Electro-Chemical Machining) is a process which enables metals to be solubilised in a targeted and controlled fashion.
In more detailed terms, ECM stands for an electrochemical machining process which utilises the principle of anodic solution of the work piece in question and in an electrically-conductive medium, the so-called electrolyte. The foundation stone for this process was laid as long ago as 1832 by Faraday’s Law. Thanks to ECM, high erosion rates can be achieved without tool electrode wear. This process is widely applied for polishing metal surfaces, deburring and cavity-sinking metal components.
ECM enables processing of practically all metallic materials, regardless of their hardness. Exceptions are merely represented by some carbides and precious metals. Thanks to its process-specific advantages, ECM technology has spread extensively and is today applied in a great many production areas such as in automobile construction, medical technology, military technology, the aviation industry, in the manufacture of continuous-flow machinery, impact and punching tools as well as many other areas.
ECM generates highly-complex geometrical shapes which can not be manufactured using conventional chipping manufacturing processes – or only with great difficulty. An additional advantage is represented by the fact that the manufactured surface structures remain undamaged in the peripheral zone.
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