Variable conductivity electrode for pulsed electrochemical machining
AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorsRusty M. Garner, Damon Ward, Monica Sy Munoz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosure describes a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool that includes a tool body defining a tool axis and including one or more electrodes. Each of the one or more electrodes includes an electrically conductive material and defines a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. An electrical conductivity of at least one electrode varies across the working surface of the respective electrode.
Claims20
A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool, comprising:
- a tool body defining a tool axis, the tool body comprising an electrode,
- wherein the electrode comprises an electrically conductive material and defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and
- wherein an electrical conductivity of the electrode varies across the working surface of the electrode.
A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system, comprising:
- a pECM tool comprising a tool body defining a tool axis, the tool body comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode comprises an electrically conductive material and defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece;
- a mechanical system configured to position the working surface of the electrode relative to the workpiece;
- an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to the mechanical system for delivery to an interelectrode gap between the working surface of the electrode and a target surface of the workpiece;
- and
- a power supply configured to generate an electric potential between the electrode of the pECM tool and the workpiece,
- wherein an electrical conductivity of the electrode varies across the working surface of the electrode.
A method for manufacturing a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool, comprising:
- forming an electrode from an electrically conductive material,
- wherein the electrode defines a working surface of a tool body, the working surface configured to face a workpiece, and
- wherein an electrical conductivity of the electrode varies across the working surface of the electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.