Method and apparatus for electrochemically machining a workpiece

An apparatus for electrochemicall machining a workpiece, comprising:

• a machine head, having an electrically conductive face;
• a sensor, for sensing a distance between a first surface and a second surface of the workpiece, said sensor adapted to sense the workpiece through a pool of fluid in contact with said second surface;
• means for selectively dispensing electrolytic fluid between said face and said first surface, wherein said face is disposed in close proximity to said first surface;
• and
• a power supply, for creating a potential difference between the workpiece and the electrically conductive face of the machine head;
• wherein creating a potential difference between the workpiece and said face, causes, charged particles of the workpiece to migrate from said first surface into said electrolytic solution at a rate;
• and
• wherein said sensor provides a real-time signal representative of said distance.

An apparatus for electrochemically machining a workpiece comprising:

• a machine head, having art electrically conductive face;
• a sensor, for sensing a distance between a first surface and a second surface of the workpiece, said sensor adapted to sense the workpiece through a pool of fluid in contact with said second surface;
• means for selectively dispensing electrolytic fluid between said face and said first surface, wherein said face is disposed in close proximity to said first surface;
• and
• a power supply, for creating a potential difference between the workpiece and the electrically conductive face of the machine head;
• wherein creating a potential difference between the workpiece and said face, causes charged particles of the workpiece to migrate from said first surface into said electrolytic solution at a rate;
• and
• wherein said sensor provides a real-time signal representative of said distance;
• and
• wherein said sensor is submerged in said pool of fluid.

An apparatus for electrochemically machining a workpiece, comprising:

• a machine head, having an electrically conductive face;
• a sensor, for sensing a distance between a first surface and a second surface of the workpiece, said sensor adapted to sense the workpiece through a pool of fluid in contact with said second surface;
• means for selectively dispensing electrolytic fluid between said face and said first surface, wherein said face is disposed in close proximity to said first surface;
• and
• a power supply, for creating a potential difference between the workpiece and the electrically conductive face of the machine head;
• wherein creating a potential difference between the workpiece and said face, causes charged particles of the workpiece to migrate from said first surface into said electrolytic solution at a rate;
• and
• wherein said sensor provides a real-time signal representative of said distance;
• and
• means for controlling said rate of charged particle migration from the workpiece, wherein said control means accepts said signal from said sensor and selectively adjusts said rate of charged particle migration in response to said signal.