Electrochemical grinding (ECG) is an innovative machining service that is engineered to precisely remove material from the surface of otherwise difficult-to-machine metals.

The ECG process is especially well-suited for micromachining projects which demand complex close-tolerance machining features on extremely small components. In these applications, electrochemical grinding is often faster, more economical, and more reliable when compared to traditional machining services.

This unique machining process combines conventional abrasive grinding with electrochemical metal removal techniques, providing manufacturers with a more finely-tunable micromachining option. Essentially, material is removed from the workpiece by the abrasion of the fluid against the grinding wheel, as well as through the careful electrochemical breakdown of the surface metal.

An Overview of the Electrolyte Grinding Process

Electrochemical grinding is an innovative machining process that combines elements of both mechanical and electrochemical metalworking processes. Also described as electrolytic grinding or anodic machining, the ECG process precisely removes material from the surface of components by using a positively-charged metal workpiece with a negatively-charged grinding wheel.

Once electrically charged, the grinding wheel becomes a cathode and the metal workpiece acts as an anode. Simultaneously, an electrolyte fluid (e.g. sodium nitrate or sodium chloride) is fed between the grinding wheel and workpiece, thus establishing an electrochemical connection. Once the ECG process is started, the workpiece surface is electrochemically broken down and precisely machined via abrasion with the electrolytic fluid, driven by the grinding wheel.

The Advantages of Electrochemical Grinding Services

Electrochemical grinding offers many benefits when compared to conventional metal machining and grinding techniques – especially in the case of micromachining services, and/or difficult-to-machine metals which exhibit an extremely high surface hardness. Because the ECG process doesn’t require metal-on-metal abrasion there is much less risk for thermal distortion, surface destressing, stress cracks, burrs, or scratches on the workpiece.

• Capable of precisely grinding extremely thin and small-diameter metal components.
• A low-heat process that removes the risk of thermal distortion and heat stress – especially when compared to other state-of-the-art metalworking processes such as electrical discharge machining (EDM) and laser cutting.
• Machined areas remain free of burrs, scratches, and stress raisers.
• The ECG process is much faster for machining tough, high-hardness metals when compared to conventional abrasive machining options.

Common Manufacturing Applications for Electrochemical Grinding

Electrochemical grinding services are utilized in the manufacturing and maintenance of many different precision metal products – from industrial turbine blades to medical needles. Some of the most common industries include aerospace components, micro medical instruments, as well as precision tooling for a wide range of applications.

• Aerospace and industrial turbine blade manufacturing and resurfacing.
• Machining of highly accurate honeycomb metals required for various aerospace components.
• Medical grade tubing cutting and notching
• Medical needle manufacturing, sharpening, and resharpening.

Innovative Custom Machining Solutions

HyTech Spring and Machine is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in innovative custom machining solutions – including CNC milling and turning, Swiss machining, and electrochemical machining capabilities. As one of the industry’s leading micromanufacturing service providers, HyTech has remained committed to delivering precision, consistency, and superior quality since 1984.