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ECM Applications in Aerospace

Electrolytic machining (ECM) is a broad finishing category. While ECM, electrolytic deburring (ECD), electrolytic polishing (ECP) and electrolytic pulse (CoolPulse) are essentially the same process, these processes are used to achieve slightly different results or objectives. Depending on the component material and stock removal requirements, electrolytic technology is a viable and highly cost effective deburring and finishing process for the aerospace industry.

Electrolytic technology is extremely selective in its deburring capabilities only attacking the areas with burrs, edges and stress risers to maximize material effectiveness. Our electrolytic processes remove metal by dissolving surface atoms without direct contact between the tool and component material. As a result, it does not affect or stress the remaining surfaces or impact the overall integrity of the metal or structure of the component, which is a significant benefit in an industry with high performance and reliability requirements.

Components requiring edge radius conditions and other performance criteria often are produced most economically with our electrolytic process. Applications range from full-contour radiusing to a continuously varied radius as produced on conic surface intersections. ECM can be used to produce edge radii and final sizing of small laser beam drilled holes less than .003 inches in diameter. Our electrolytic processes produce consistent and repeatable results with typical cycle times ranging from 30 seconds to 60 seconds.

All of Extrude Hone’s electrolytic processes produce repeatable, uniform and high-quality surface finishes and edges to improve the mechanical performance of processed components:

Through our Contract Finishing Services, Extrude Hone offers free part evaluation of components. Since electrolytic technology is not as widely used within the aerospace industry as our other technologies, aerospace customers can see firsthand the results of the electrolytic processes

Find out more about Extrude Hone ECM processes.