A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

A narrow-hole electric discharge machine (100) is provided with: a pump (52) with a variable flow rate that supplies machining fluid to a pipe electrode (28); a flow rate sensor (56) provided in a pipe between the pump (52) and the pipe electrode (28), the flow rate sensor (56) being configured to detect the flow rate of the machining fluid flowing through the pipe; a storage unit (58b) that stores a set flow rate of a jet flow suitable for each cross-sectional size of a plurality of pipe electrodes (28) having different cross-sectional sizes; and a pump control unit (58a) that drives the pump (52) such that the value detected by the flow rate sensor (56) is kept at the set flow rate stored in the storage unit (58b) suitable for the cross-sectional size of the pipe electrode (28) currently attached to a main shaft (114).

A narrow-hole electric discharge machine (100) is provided with: a pump (52) with a variable flow rate that supplies machining fluid to a pipe electrode (28); a flow rate sensor (56) provided in a pipe between the pump (52) and the pipe electrode (28), the flow rate sensor (56) being configured to detect the flow rate of the machining fluid flowing through the pipe; a storage unit (58b) that stores a set flow rate of a jet flow suitable for each cross-sectional size of a plurality of pipe electrodes (28) having different cross-sectional sizes; and a pump control unit (58a) that drives the pump (52) such that the value detected by the flow rate sensor (56) is kept at the set flow rate stored in the storage unit (58b) suitable for the cross-sectional size of the pipe electrode (28) currently attached to a main shaft (114).

A device for electrochemically machining a workpiece (10), the device comprising: (i) an elongate device body having a first end (3) and a second end (4) and an electrically insulating sidewall (8) with one or more electrolyte delivery apertures defined in the elongate device body; (ii) an electrode (7) within the device body; (iii) an electrolyte supply arrangement that confines electrolyte within the device body so that the electrolyte can only be delivered through the aperture(s) for electrochemically machining the workpiece (10). Also described is a method for electrochemically machining the workpiece.

A device for electrochemically machining a workpiece (10), the device comprising: (i) an elongate device body having a first end (3) and a second end (4) and an electrically insulating sidewall (8) with one or more electrolyte delivery apertures defined in the elongate device body; (ii) an electrode (7) within the device body; (iii) an electrolyte supply arrangement that confines electrolyte within the device body so that the electrolyte can only be delivered through the aperture(s) for electrochemically machining the workpiece (10). Also described is a method for electrochemically machining the workpiece.

A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

An electrolyte solution is provided for an electrochemical machining process. The electrolyte solution includes a substantially water free ionic solvent, an ionisable material in the form of an inorganic salt; and a viscosity modifier. The electrolyte has a viscosity in the range of 1 to 50 mPa.Math.s at 20° C.

A method is provided for manufacturing a component. The method includes connecting a component comprising an internal passage and formed by an additive manufacturing process to a power supply, the component functioning as an anode, connecting a cathode to the power supply, the cathode being disposed in an electrolyte solution, the cathode being positioned externally to the internal passage of the component, contacting the internal passage of the component with the electrolyte solution, and using the power supply, applying a potential difference and current flow between the component and the cathode.