Non-Traditional Machining Processes

Vocabulary flashcards defining various non-traditional machining processes and their components based on lecture notes.

Chemical Machining (CM)

A process that removes material using chemical etchants through the steps of Cleaning, Masking, Etching, and Stripping.

Electrochemical Machining (ECM)

A machining method using electrolysis where the workpiece acts as the anode, the tool as the cathode, and the electrolyte removes dissolved metal.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

A technique that uses electrical sparks to melt or vaporise material while a dielectric fluid flushes away debris.

Wire EDM

A precise contour cutting method that uses a moving wire electrode to create intricate profiles.

Electron Beam Machining (EBM)

A machining process in which a focused electron beam melts or vaporises material within a vacuum, often producing X-rays.

Laser Beam Machining (LBM)

A process that uses a focused laser to cut, melt, or engrave materials, which can create a heat-affected zone.

Water Jet Machining (WJM)

A method that uses a high-pressure water jet to cut material, characterized by having no heat damage and being environmentally friendly.

Abrasive Jet Machining (AJM)

A machining process where abrasive particles carried by high-velocity gas erode material; it is ideal for hard brittle materials but unsuitable for soft elastic ones.

Anode (in ECM)

The designation of the workpiece during the Electrochemical Machining process.

Cathode (in ECM)

The designation of the tool during the Electrochemical Machining process.

Material Removal Rate (MRR)

A performance metric noted as being slow in Chemical Machining.

Dielectric

The substance used in Electrical Discharge Machining to flush debris away from the machining area.