Technological Methods and Equipment for Plasma-Electrolytic Processing of Metals and Alloys

The proposed review presents the results of the analysis of the equipment and technological methods for implementing the plasma electrolytic chemical-thermal treatment and plasma electrolytic polishing. A group of methods based on the immersion of workpieces in an electrolyzer was considered, as well as a method of a local treatment by the jet feed of an electrolyte to the area of the surface being treated. The influence of the design and characteristics of the electrolyzer, the power source and the system for feeding the work-piece into the electrolyte on the specifics of plasma electrolytic treatment methods is shown. Technological methods improving the quality and productivity of treatment are considered. Limitations in the applicability of the existing equipment were revealed, and the prospects for the improvement in the field of development of equipment and technologies for plasma electrolytic treatment were determined.