For friction reduction in sliding bearing, it is known to structure the sliding surface (1) by ECM by introducing a plurality of microscopic small indentations (27). According to the invention it is proposed in particular in the same process step to smoothen also the intermediary spaces (6) between the indentations (27), thus to remove the tips of the surface profile.

In order to reduce friction of a crank shaft during operation by a large amount with low complexity through structuring sliding bearing surfaces (1) of the crank shaft through controlled introduction of microscopically small indentations (27) it is proposed for the center bearings and the crank bearings to only structure highly loaded portions of the bearing surface in circumferential direction and also in axial direction since this is already difficult to achieve in view of the operating gap towards the tool that only has a size of a few m.

Electrodes, components, apparatuses, and methods for electrochemical machining (ECM) are disclosed. ECM may be employed to provide burr-free or substantially burr-free ECM of electrically-conductive workpieces (e.g. shrouds). As one non-limiting example, the electrically-conductive workpiece may be a shroud that is used as an electrical component in electronics boards. While the ECM components, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein reduce burrs, ECM can provide imprecise machining and cause stray erosions to occur in the machined electrically-conductive workpiece. In this regard, the electrodes, components, apparatuses, and methods for ECM disclosed herein provide features that allow for precise machining of the machined electrically-conductive workpiece and also allow avoidance of stray erosions in the machined electrically-conductive workpiece.

In some examples, a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a first tool body including a first electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece and a second tool body including a second electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. The system includes a mechanical system configured to position the working surface of the first tool body relative to the workpiece and configured to position the working surface of the second tool body relative to the workpiece. The system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to a first interelectrode gap and a second interelectrode gap and a power supply configured to generate a pulsed direct current between the first tool body and the workpiece and the second tool body and the workpiece.

A device and a method for producing a blade airfoil from a workpiece which comprises at least two gaps and at least one blank arranged between the two gaps, wherein the blank comprises two opposite lateral faces which are bounded by a base, a top and a first and a second edge. The method comprises: (a) arranging the first and second electrodes in the first and second gaps, the surface of the workpiece forming an annular space surface at the gaps, (b) applying a positive voltage to the blank and applying a negative voltage to the first and second electrodes, (c) moving the first and second electrode in the direction of the first and second lateral faces.

Step (b) is preceded by passing electrolyte between the two electrodes over the top toward the base.

Systems and methods for beneficially affecting the surface morphology of electrically conductive materials using electrochemistry are described. The systems and methods for beneficially affecting the surface morphology of electrically conductive materials use a bimodal process in which a first current type (alternating or direct) is applied across an electrolyte between an electrode and a workpiece followed by applying a second current type different from the first current type is used. The bimodal process may be repeated one or more times.

Methods and systems of electrochemically machining a component are provided. The method may include applying two or more potentials to a tool electrode comprising an array of two or more individual electrodes to generate two or more electric fields in between the tool electrode and a workpiece opposite of the tool electrode, wherein each of the two or more electric fields is generated by one of the array of two or more individual electrodes.

A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a tool body defining a tool axis and a proximal end and a distal end. The tool body includes one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes defining a working surface at the distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. Electrolyte at least partially fills an interelectrode gap defined by the working surface at the distal end of the tool axis and a target surface of the workpiece. A first flow block coupled to the tool body and a second flow block coupled to the workpiece are configured to form at least one seal surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the interelectrode gap, and the at least one seal is configured to reduce or eliminate flow of the electrolyte out of the portion of the perimeter of the interelectrode gap.

A technique of removing material from metal parts referred to as OPECM and a corresponding OPECM processing machine are disclosed. A tool electrode is manufactured for removing material from a target workpiece, and the workpiece and tool electrode are fixed into a processing machine that imparts an oscillatory motion path or profile and applies a voltage through a flowing electrolyte solution. The disclosed technique and processing machine removes material from the surface of the target workpiece through proximal surface dissolution as the workpiece and tool electrode are brought within proximity of one another.

Methods and systems of electrochemically machining a component are provided. The method may include applying two or more potentials to a tool electrode comprising an array of two or more individual electrodes to generate two or more electric fields in between the tool electrode and a workpiece opposite of the tool electrode, wherein each of the two or more electric fields is generated by one of the array of two or more individual electrodes.