An electrode applied in electro-machining processes, where the electrode includes a main body portion and at least one built-in internal flushing passage for introducing a flushing liquid to a volume between the electrode and a workpiece to be machined. The electrode is made by an additive fabrication process that enables specialized flushing for enhancing waste material evacuation and incorporate special material properties like zones of high electrical conductivity and thermal resistance. The fabrication process produces materials and geometries that could not otherwise be made using conventional processing.

An electrode applied in electro-machining processes, where the electrode includes a main body portion and at least one built-in internal flushing passage for introducing a flushing liquid to a volume between the electrode and a workpiece to be machined. The electrode is made by an additive fabrication process that enables specialized flushing for enhancing waste material evacuation and incorporate special material properties like zones of high electrical conductivity and thermal resistance. The fabrication process produces materials and geometries that could not otherwise be made using conventional processing.

Electrode for an electro-erosion process, includes a shaft, a body coupled to the shaft, a plurality of machining-inserts, an insulated layer, and a flushing cover disposed on the body and coupled to the shaft. The shaft includes a channel, a plurality of first and second openings, each opening connected to the channel. The body includes a plurality of main-flushing channels, each channel connected to a corresponding first opening. The plurality of machining-inserts is spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction and detachably coupled to a peripheral end portion of the body. Each machining-insert includes at least one third opening connected to a corresponding main-flushing channel. The insulated layer is disposed on top and bottom surfaces of the body. The flushing cover includes a plurality of side-flushing channels and a plurality of fourth openings, each channel connected to a corresponding second opening.

Electrode for an electro-erosion process, includes a shaft, a body coupled to the shaft, a plurality of machining-inserts, an insulated layer, and a flushing cover disposed on the body and coupled to the shaft. The shaft includes a channel, a plurality of first and second openings, each opening connected to the channel. The body includes a plurality of main-flushing channels, each channel connected to a corresponding first opening. The plurality of machining-inserts is spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction and detachably coupled to a peripheral end portion of the body. Each machining-insert includes at least one third opening connected to a corresponding main-flushing channel. The insulated layer is disposed on top and bottom surfaces of the body. The flushing cover includes a plurality of side-flushing channels and a plurality of fourth openings, each channel connected to a corresponding second opening.

EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

An electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrodes and associated methods are provided. An EDM electrode includes a holder rotatable about a rotation axis and a plurality of electrode elements attached to the holder and circumferentially arranged around the rotation axis. Respective positions of the electrode elements are radially adjustable relative to the rotation axis.

An electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrodes and associated methods are provided. An EDM electrode includes a holder rotatable about a rotation axis and a plurality of electrode elements attached to the holder and circumferentially arranged around the rotation axis. Respective positions of the electrode elements are radially adjustable relative to the rotation axis.

The invention relates to a grinding and/or erosion machine (10), as well as to a method for gauging and referencing the axis arrangement (11) comprising several machine axes (12), wherein each can be configured as a rotational or translational machine axis. To do so, a measuring disk (28) is inserted in a tool spindle (13) and a test mandrel (27) is inserted in a workpiece holding device (14). The test mandrel (27) is electrically connected to a reference potential, preferably ground (M). The measuring disk (28) is electrically connected to a supply voltage potential (UV). By forming a contact between the measuring disk (28) and the test mandrel (27), a measuring current (IM) flows between the supply voltage potential (UV) and the reference potential and, in accordance with the example, from the supply voltage potential (UV) to ground (M). The flow of this measuring current (IM) may be detected in a monitoring device (31), and the actual position of the machine axes (12) at the time of the start of the current flow of the measuring current (IM) can be determined. Via the axis arrangement (11), one or more contact locations (K) between the measuring disk (28) and the test mandrel (27) can be approached, and, as a result of this, referencing or gauging of the axis arrangement (11) and the machine, respectively, can take place.

An electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrodes and associated methods are provided. An EDM electrode includes a holder rotatable about a rotation axis and a plurality of electrode elements attached to the holder and circumferentially arranged around the rotation axis. Respective positions of the electrode elements are radially adjustable relative to the rotation axis.