NEW NONCONVENTIONAL MACHINING PROCESS

The need for many very small air-cooling holes in gas turbine components resulted in the development of an electro-chemical machining device called Electrostream.^* Sensors control feed-rate, stop action when breakthrough occurs, determine dwell cycle for lip erosion, and reposition for a new cycle. The holes can be drilled with a 50:1 depth to diameter ratio and a diameter of less than .050. Cross-connecting passageways deep within other parallel holes can also be machined and inspected. The process gives good surface integrity, consistency, and repeatable operations. ^*Trade Mark.