A wire electric discharge machine has a function of estimating the time for replacement of a filter based on a use situation for the machine. A time Tr during which the filter is serviceable is calculated according to an equation, Tr=|(PdPn)/P|, based on a fluid pressure variation amount P, a current filter fluid pressure Pn, and a filter life pressure. A remaining available time Td for the filter which takes into account the operation rate of the machine is calculated according to an equation, Td=Tr/W.

A device for the electrochemical processing of a metal workpiece, including a plurality of electrodes that by way of respective linear drive units are movable in a linear manner relative to the workpiece from an initial position to a terminal position, the electrodes having a reproduction face that is directed toward the workpiece, wherein at least three electrodes are provided, the electrodes being disposed so as to be offset around the circumference of the workpiece and by way of the reproduction faces of the electrodes during the entire readjustment movement from the initial position to the terminal position engaging across one another in portions so as to be in contact, and by way of the reproduction faces of the electrodes delimiting a fluid duct that in a closed manner encircles the circumference of the workpiece.

A device for the electrochemical processing of a metal workpiece, including a plurality of electrodes that by way of respective linear drive units are movable in a linear manner relative to the workpiece from an initial position to a terminal position, the electrodes having a reproduction face that is directed toward the workpiece, wherein at least three electrodes are provided, the electrodes being disposed so as to be offset around the circumference of the workpiece and by way of the reproduction faces of the electrodes during the entire readjustment movement from the initial position to the terminal position engaging across one another in portions so as to be in contact, and by way of the reproduction faces of the electrodes delimiting a fluid duct that in a closed manner encircles the circumference of the workpiece.

The invention relates to a method for machining a workpiece by an electrochemical machining process in which material is removed from the workpiece in an electrolyte liquid, where the electrolyte liquid is then filtered in a membrane filter system which has a membrane that undergoes a relative movement in the membrane filter system during the filtering process, and the filtered electrolyte liquid is reused for the electrochemical machining process.

The invention relates to a method for machining a workpiece by an electrochemical machining process in which material is removed from the workpiece in an electrolyte liquid, where the electrolyte liquid is then filtered in a membrane filter system which has a membrane that undergoes a relative movement in the membrane filter system during the filtering process, and the filtered electrolyte liquid is reused for the electrochemical machining process.

A method of machining a work-piece formed of titanium-based material, using a machining apparatus, is described. The method includes the steps of providing an electrically-conductive electrode contained within a spindle assembly, in a pre-selected distance and position relative to the titanium-based work-piece; while electrically powering the electrode and the work-piece with a power supply. In the process, fluid electrolyte is circulated through at least two pathways in the machining apparatusan internal conduit within the spindle assembly; and an external conduit. The charged electrode is moved relative to the work-piece in a plunging motion, to remove material from the work-piece at a relatively high rate, using a high-speed electro-erosion (HSEE) process.

A method of machining a work-piece formed of titanium-based material, using a machining apparatus, is described. The method includes the steps of providing an electrically-conductive electrode contained within a spindle assembly, in a pre-selected distance and position relative to the titanium-based work-piece; while electrically powering the electrode and the work-piece with a power supply. In the process, fluid electrolyte is circulated through at least two pathways in the machining apparatusan internal conduit within the spindle assembly; and an external conduit. The charged electrode is moved relative to the work-piece in a plunging motion, to remove material from the work-piece at a relatively high rate, using a high-speed electro-erosion (HSEE) process.

The present invention relates to a grind machining apparatus, which comprises a grinding wheel and an electrochemical processing module. The grinding wheel has a grinding surface on the surface. The electrochemical processing modules is disposed at the grinding wheel. The processing surface of the electrochemical processing module faces the direction away from an axle of the grinding wheel and is located lower than the grinding surface. By using the above grind machining apparatus, alternate compound machining including electrochemical oxidation processing and mechanical grind machining can be performed.

The present invention relates to a grind machining apparatus, which comprises a grinding wheel and an electrochemical processing module. The grinding wheel has a grinding surface on the surface. The electrochemical processing modules is disposed at the grinding wheel. The processing surface of the electrochemical processing module faces the direction away from an axle of the grinding wheel and is located lower than the grinding surface. By using the above grind machining apparatus, alternate compound machining including electrochemical oxidation processing and mechanical grind machining can be performed.

In order to easily form curved holes and straight holes of desired shapes, an electrochemical machining tool of the present invention comprises a tool body including: an electrode made from an electrically conductive material in a cylindrical shape extending along an axial line and having flexibility, an electrolytic solution flowing through an internal flow channel of the electrode toward a tip side; and an insulating layer coated on an outer circumferential face of the electrode so as to expose the tip of the electrode. A fluid outflow hole is formed in the tool body, passing through the tool body in a radial direction and guiding the electrolytic solution flowing through the flow channel outward in the radial direction, and the electrochemical machining tool further comprises a tube-shaped member selectively opening and closing the fluid outflow hole.