Apparatus for transfer of metallic materials by electric discharge
AssigneeWashington State University Research Foundation
InventorGary L. Sheldon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and process for depositing metal from one conductor to another by electrode deposition. One conductor, the electrode, may remain in contact with the other conductor, the workpiece, as the electrode is continuously oscillated about a central electrode axis. Short duration, high amperage charges are directed through the oscillating electrode and the workpiece. The charge duration is controlled by the charging rate of a capacitor in a charging circuit. The rate of capacitor discharge is prescribed by an independently triggered thyristor. Extremely short duration discharges at a high discharge frequency results in deposition of the electrode material onto the workpiece.
Claims30
Apparatus for transferring material from one metallic conductor to another metallic conductor by electric discharge deposition, comprising:
- a capacitive charging circuit;
- switching means connected in the circuit for successively discharging the circuit at a prescribed rate;
- wherein one of said conductors is an electrode having a central axis;
- said circuit having positive and negative discharge leads operably connected to a source of direct current electrical power, one lead being directly connected to the electrode and the other being adapted for connection to the other conductor, so contact between the electrode and other conductor will complete the circuit when said circuit is being discharged by said switching means;
- and
- powered clamp means for reversibly oscillating the electrode continuously about the central electrode axis through a prescribed arc of less than 360 degrees.
A process for transferring material from an electrically conductive electrode to a conductive workpiece by electric discharge, comprising the steps of:
- producing a succession of high current short duration electrical pulsations at a pair of discharge terminals in a capacitive discharge circuit;
- directly connecting one of the terminals of the circuit to the electrode;
- connecting the remaining terminal of the circuit to the workpiece;
- directly contacting the workpiece with the electrode;
- and reversibly oscillating the electrode about a central axis through a prescribed arc of less than 360 degrees against the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.