Influence of tool vibration on machining performance in electrochemical micro-machining of copper

Electrochemical micro-machining (EMM) appears to be promising as a future micro-machining technique since in many areas of applications, it offers several advantages, including biomedical and MEMS applications. A suitable micro-tool vibration system has been developed, which consists of tool-holding unit, micro-tool vibrating unit, etc. The developed system was used successfully to control material removal rate (MRR) and machining accuracy to meet the micro-machining requirements. Micro-holes have been produced on thin copper workpiece by EMM with stainless-steel micro-tool. Experiments have been carried out to investigate the most effective values of process parameters such as micro-tool vibration frequency, amplitude and electrolyte concentration for producing micro-hole with high accuracy and appreciable amount of MRR. From the experimental results and SEM micrographs, it is evident that the introduction of micro-tool vibration improves EMM performance characteristics. Lower electrolyte concentration in the range of 15–20 g/l reduces stray current effects. Hertz (Hz) range of tool vibration frequency improves the removal of sludge and precipitates from very small interelectrode gap. The 150–200 Hz range of tool vibration frequency can be recommended for EMM, which provides a better electrochemical machining in the narrow end gap. Compared to kHz range, Hz range micro-tool's vibration improves the MRR and accuracy in EMM.