Generation of Defined Surface Waviness on Tungsten Carbide by Jet Electrochemical Machining with Pulsed Current

Conventional machining of WC6Co carbide metal is challenging due to its mechanical properties. Electrochemical machining applying a continuous free jet and pulsed current (Jet-PECM) is a promising alternative for surface structuring of this material, because the resulting removal only depends on its electrochemical properties. Neither tool wear nor thermal or mechanical influence on the work piece is caused by this process. In this study the influence of current pulse parameters on the cross-sectional shape of straight-lined grooves machined with Jet- PECM in WC6Co was analyzed. Furthermore adequate machining strategies were derived and applied in order to generate surfaces with defined waviness.