Provided is an electrode capable of increasing a degree of freedom in machining shape with a simple structure, an electrochemical machining apparatus using the electrode, an electrochemical machining method, and a product machined by the method. An electrode 4 has a core tube 41 formed of a material by which a second hole 101b having a direction or a curvature different from that of a first hole 101a having a predetermined curvature can be formed continuously from the first hole 101a and a coating 42 fixed to an outer periphery of the core tube 41.

Some variations provide an atomic instrument configured with an optically transparent and electrochemically cleanable window, comprising: a transparent first electrode; a second electrode with an atom reservoir for first metal ions; an ion conductor interposed between the first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the ion conductor is capable of transporting second metal ions, wherein the ion conductor is in contact with the first electrode and with the second electrode, and wherein the ion conductor is optically transparent; and a transparent window support in contact with the ion conductor, wherein the electrochemically cleanable window is optically transparent, wherein the transparent window support, the ion conductor, and the first electrode collectively form a transparent and electrochemically cleanable window. The disclosed technique removes adsorbed low-vapor-pressure metal thin films from the interior of windows before they become opaque, which extends system lifetime and reduces optical power requirements.

Some variations provide an atomic instrument configured with an optically transparent and electrochemically cleanable window, comprising: a transparent first electrode; a second electrode with an atom reservoir for first metal ions; an ion conductor interposed between the first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the ion conductor is capable of transporting second metal ions, wherein the ion conductor is in contact with the first electrode and with the second electrode, and wherein the ion conductor is optically transparent; and a transparent window support in contact with the ion conductor, wherein the electrochemically cleanable window is optically transparent, wherein the transparent window support, the ion conductor, and the first electrode collectively form a transparent and electrochemically cleanable window. The disclosed technique removes adsorbed low-vapor-pressure metal thin films from the interior of windows before they become opaque, which extends system lifetime and reduces optical power requirements.

A system is configured for machining a workpiece of a lattice structure, the system includes an electrode of a lattice structure, an electrolyte supply, and a power supply. The workpiece and the electrode are intertwined with each other and electrically isolated from each other. The electrolyte supply is configured for circulating an electrolyte around and between the workpiece and the electrode. The power supply is configured for applying a voltage between the workpiece and the electrode to facilitate smoothing surfaces of the workpiece.

A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.

A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.

An assembly for electropolishing metal surfaces by means of particles of solid electrolytes in a gaseous environment. According to one embodiment the assembly includes a container and a housing element configured to house at least two metal parts, so as to contain the parts avoiding that they can go out during the electropolish process and at the same time allowing that they can have a given movement within the housing element and at the same time endow them with electrical connectivity by means of a first electrode and a second electrode that are coupled to an electrical source 3. The assembly also includes means to produce a relative movement between the particles of solid electrolytes and the at least two metal parts.