Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements

Micro-dimple arrays with specific shapes and dimensions are crucial for reducing wear and vibration. Through-mask electrochemical machining (TMECM) using flexible cathodes removes materials based on anodic dissolution and allows for efficient processing of large-area micro-dimple arrays. However, th...

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Main Authors: Feng Wang, Xinke Yuan, Tao Wang, Yiqing Wan, Yafeng He, Min Kang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-07-01
Series:Advances in Mechanical Engineering
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/16878132251356005
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author Feng Wang
Xinke Yuan
Tao Wang
Yiqing Wan
Yafeng He
Min Kang
author_facet Feng Wang
Xinke Yuan
Tao Wang
Yiqing Wan
Yafeng He
Min Kang
author_sort Feng Wang
collection DOAJ
description Micro-dimple arrays with specific shapes and dimensions are crucial for reducing wear and vibration. Through-mask electrochemical machining (TMECM) using flexible cathodes removes materials based on anodic dissolution and allows for efficient processing of large-area micro-dimple arrays. However, the flexible cathode’s tight adherence to the mask can cause sludges from the processing area to stick or aggregate on the cathode surface, which can affect the processing localization of the micro-dimple array. This work introduces a method for TMECM using flexible cathodes which synchronizes the power switching with the cathode movement. Experiments on TMECM were conducted to investigate the changes in the distribution of sludges on the cathode surface. The processing time window for the adhesion and aggregation of sludges was identified. Moreover, the influences of sponge characteristics and processing parameters on micro-dimple machining were investigated. Rules governing the changes in micro-dimple diameter, depth, and bottom surface roughness concerning the sponge’s pore density, compression amount, power conduction time, and effective processing time were established. Ultimately, by adjusting the sponge characteristics and processing parameters, a high-precision micro-dimple array with a diameter of 229.6 ± 2 μm, a depth of 9 ± 0.3 μm, and a bottom surface roughness S a of 0.34 μm and R a of 0.43 μm was fabricated.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1687-8140
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publisher SAGE Publishing
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series Advances in Mechanical Engineering
spelling doaj-art-61317af8601f45df85d2ae77b7e469582025-08-20T03:58:36ZengSAGE PublishingAdvances in Mechanical Engineering1687-81402025-07-011710.1177/16878132251356005Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movementsFeng Wang0Xinke Yuan1Tao Wang2Yiqing Wan3Yafeng He4Min Kang5College of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology, ChinaCollege of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, ChinaCollege of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, ChinaCollege of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, ChinaSchool of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Changzhou Institute of Technology, ChinaCollege of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, ChinaMicro-dimple arrays with specific shapes and dimensions are crucial for reducing wear and vibration. Through-mask electrochemical machining (TMECM) using flexible cathodes removes materials based on anodic dissolution and allows for efficient processing of large-area micro-dimple arrays. However, the flexible cathode’s tight adherence to the mask can cause sludges from the processing area to stick or aggregate on the cathode surface, which can affect the processing localization of the micro-dimple array. This work introduces a method for TMECM using flexible cathodes which synchronizes the power switching with the cathode movement. Experiments on TMECM were conducted to investigate the changes in the distribution of sludges on the cathode surface. The processing time window for the adhesion and aggregation of sludges was identified. Moreover, the influences of sponge characteristics and processing parameters on micro-dimple machining were investigated. Rules governing the changes in micro-dimple diameter, depth, and bottom surface roughness concerning the sponge’s pore density, compression amount, power conduction time, and effective processing time were established. Ultimately, by adjusting the sponge characteristics and processing parameters, a high-precision micro-dimple array with a diameter of 229.6 ± 2 μm, a depth of 9 ± 0.3 μm, and a bottom surface roughness S a of 0.34 μm and R a of 0.43 μm was fabricated.https://doi.org/10.1177/16878132251356005
spellingShingle Feng Wang
Xinke Yuan
Tao Wang
Yiqing Wan
Yafeng He
Min Kang
Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
Advances in Mechanical Engineering
title Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
title_full Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
title_fullStr Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
title_full_unstemmed Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
title_short Through-mask electrochemical machining of micro-dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
title_sort through mask electrochemical machining of micro dimple arrays with synchronization of power switching and cathode movements
url https://doi.org/10.1177/16878132251356005
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