Analysis of the relationship between electrolyte characteristics and electrochemical machinability in PECM on invar (Fe-Ni)fine sheet

Pulsed electrochemical machining (PECM) has been conducted for invar (Fe-Ni) fine sheet consisting of 64 % Fe ions and 36 % Ni ions. Solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl), acetic acid (CH3COOH), sodium nitrate (NaNO3), and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) mixed with sodium tartrate (C4H4Na2O6) were used as an electrolyte. First, the electrical conductivities of all electrolytes have been measured. As the concentration of each electrolyte increased, the electrical conductivities of electrolytes increased except for the acetic acid. The electrochemical machinability has been investigated using four types of electrolytes. The results of PECM show that the electrolyte which has the high electrical conductivity value leads to the low electrochemical machinability. The pulse waves which indicate the electrical characteristics during the PECM has been observed and it is confirmed that the passivating oxide film occur in PECM. To compare the capability of changing in transpassive state, the anode surface has been investigated. This study presents the relationship between electrical conductivity and electrical machinability. Moreover, the capacity of changing in transpassive state has been investigated as compared with four types of electrolytes. This study shows the possibility of applying invar fine sheet in PECM and contributes to determining the electrolyte for the process.