Apparatus and method for electro-polishing complex shapes
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsManuel Acosta, James J. O'Shea
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for electro-polishing an object that has a complex shape that defines a cavity. The apparatus includes an electrode that is configured to closely engage a predetermined location of the object. The electrode is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply.
Claims11
An apparatus for electro-polishing an object that has a complex shape, the object having a wall that defines a first surface to be polished and a second surface, the second surface defining a cavity, the apparatus comprising:
- multiple electrodes that are configured to closely engage predetermined locations of the object, the electrodes being positioned in the cavity in contact with the second surface such that outer surfaces of the electrodes are in substantially continuous contact with the second surface:
- and
- wherein the electrodes are configured to be electrically connected to a power supply.
A method for electro-polishing metal, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an object that has a wall and the wall defines a first surface that is to be polished and a second surface;
- positioning multiple electrodes on the object to be polished such that an outer surface of each electrode is in substantially continuous contact with the second surface;
- connecting the electrode to a power supply;
- placing the object to be polished in an electrolyte solution such that the object is an anode;
- and
- passing current through the electrode.
A method for electro-polishing an object that defines an open-ended cavity, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a first dam at a first end of the cavity;
- positioning a second dam at a second end of the cavity such that an electrode region is defined;
- filling the electrode region with a metal to form an electrode;
- electrically connecting the electrode to a power supply;
- placing the object to be polished in an electrolyte solution;
- and
- passing current through the electrode such that the object is an anode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.