NEW TECHNOLOGIES | ARTICLE


The mould insert of figure 5 is PEMed using the electrode shown. In order to produce the mould features of this configuration, electrolyte is provided to the machining gap through the electrode. Electrolyte flow through the electrode is used when the flow path required for PEM cannot be achieved with a cross- flow configuration. In a similar fashion, the 100 cavity mould of figure 6 is machined in one operation with a surface finish less than 0.1 micron Ra. The cavities in this mould are approximately 2.5 mm deep. Cavity depth and geometry are important because the PEM tool must be able to flush electrolyte over all surfaces in a uniform manner.


<< Figure 5: Mould insert and PEM electrode. >>


<< Figure 6: 100-cavity mould and PEM electrode.>>


>> Continued on page 44


43 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 6 No.6


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