Electrochemical machining ( ECM ) is a method of removing metal by an electrochemical process. It is normally used for mass production and is used for working extremely hard materials or materials that are difficult to machine using conventional methods. [1] Its use is limited to electrically conductive materials. ECM can cut small or odd-shaped angles, intricate contours or cavities in hard and exotic metals, such as titanium aluminides , Inconel , Waspaloy , and high nickel , cobalt , and rhenium alloys. [2] Both external and internal geometries can be machined. ECM is often characterized as "reverse electroplating ", in that it removes material instead of adding it. [2] It is similar in concept to electrical discharge machining (EDM) in that a high current is passed between an electrode and the part, through an electrolytic material removal process havi...
