A Study to Improve Drilling Quality of Electrochemical Discharge Machining (ECDM) Process

The effects of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) surfactant added electrolyte on machining quartz in electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) are investigated. Experimental results show that the current density is increased, and there is more bubble release around the electrode as compared with that when machining in the electrolyte without SDS. The sparks become brighter and take place in a larger area, and a more stable pulse current is obtained. As a result, a less taper and a better quality but a little over size hole can be drilled with a higher engraving speed. Based on the observation of sparking process together with the experimental results, a new bubble forming mechanism during ECDM in the SDS added electrolyte is inferred.