Electropolishing and electrobrightening of holes using different feeding electrodes

The current study discusses the surface finish of several common die materi als, of which the inner holes are electropolished and electrobrightened by different types of feeding electrodes. In the experiment, two types of elec trode are used with the application of continuous direct current and axial electrode feed. The controlled factors include the dimension of the electro de as well as the chemical composition and the concentration of the electro lyte. The parameters are current rating, electrode geometry, die material, electrode rotational speed and feed rate. It was found that electrobrighten ing after reaming requires quite a short working time, whilst the electropo lishing avoids the need for reaming, thus makes the total cycle time less t han electrobrightening. The electrode of boring cutter type performs better in the current investigation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights re served.