Hybrid electrochemical discharge drilling

Abstract. Making small-diameter holes in workpiece materials that are difficult to machine using classic cutting processes may require using relatively expensive equipment for machining using unconventional methods. A more accessible process for making small-diameter holes in hard-to-machine materials is hybrid electrochemical discharge drilling. In principle, such a process is based on the material removal from the workpiece both using electrical discharges and chemical reactions between the electrolyte-type working fluid and the material of the workpiece, under the conditions of placing the tool electrode and the workpiece in an electrolyte and connecting them in a circuit of a direct current source. It is proposed to use relatively simple equipment, which ensures the rotation of the drill-type tool electrode and the use of an electrolyte based on an aqueous solution of sodium silicate soluble in water. The analysis of the functional requirements allowed the gradual design of an equipment solution that enables the realization of small-diameter holes using hybrid electrochemical discharge machining. Preliminary experiments proved the good functioning of the equipment.