Electrochemical Grinding

Electrochemical grinding (ECG) is an electrolytic material-removal process involving a negatively charged abrasive grinding wheel, a conductive fluid (electrolyte), and a positively charged workpiece. Workp0iece material deplates in to the electrolyte solution.  ECG is similar to electrochemical machining except that the cathode is a specially constructed grinding wheel instead of a tool shaped like the contour to be machined.

Process Characteristics

Utilizes electrically conductive grinding wheels
Removes material by electrochemical decomposition and abrasive action
Deplates workpiece materials and deposits them in electrolyte
Wheels wear extremely slowly
Workpieces are electrically conductive

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Information provided is from Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide by Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting.--1st ed. Published by Industrial Press Inc., 1994.