Evaluating electrochemical micromachining capabilities for industrial applications: A review
Jitendra Singh, Rishi Kant, Anutosh Nimesh, Nitish Katiyar, Shantanu Bhattacharya
Abstract
Nonconventional machining processes like Electrochemical micromachining (ECMM) provide better surface finish without thermal and mechanical defects on the workpiece surface, which is generally found in other processes like electron beam machining (EBM), electric discharge machining (EDM), plasma arc machining (PAM), electrochemical spark machining (ECSM) and laser beam machining (LBM) processes, etc. ECMM process is well recognized for the production of µ-channels, high aspect ratio µ-holes, and other complex microstructures on hard-to-cut elements like copper, stainless steel, titanium, and other superalloys, which find wide application in the space of MEMS, automotive, aviation, biomedical and electronics with requisite surface finish. Moreover, hybrid ECMM processes are capable of machining novel materials which may not be otherwise possible using traditional manufacturing techniques. This review includes details of the µ-ECM process capabilities, hybrid machining processes, and current research trends in the ECMM field with an emphasis on machining of miniaturized parts used in various industries.