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ECM/ECD Applications in Fluid Power

The fluid power industry prizes Extrude Hone’s precision electrolytic machining and deburring (ECM/ECD) technologies for their ability to selectively and accurately machine and deburr the internal and external surfaces of metal components used in hydraulic systems and pneumatic equipment. Our ECM/ECD processes provide highly controllable, yet cost-effective electrolytic finishing methods that produce high-quality surfaces, edges and specific radii at intersections. Since ECM/ECD requires minimal tooling and setup time, it is ideally suited for both short- and long-production runs.

As a metal dissolution process, ECM/ECD processes use a safe, low voltage DC electrical current, which is applied to the tooling, or cathode, and the component while flowing an electrolyte between both surfaces to dissolve unwanted metal. Because the tooling never touches the component, there is virtually no tool wear in the process. Subsequently, such hydraulic and pneumatic components as manifolds, cylinders, pistons, actuators, housings, gears, valves, pumps and tubes, are not exposed to mechanical or thermal stress, retaining all physical and chemical properties.

Additionally, our ECM/ECD processes are not affected by the material hardness of metal components. In most applications, ECM/ECD realizes controlled material removal, ranging from 0.0005” to 0.01” (0.01 mm to 0.25 mm). Typical cycle times vary between 15 seconds to 45 seconds.

Hydraulic and pneumatic component manufacturers rely on Extrude Hone’s economical electrolytic machining and deburring processes to produce high-quality and precise surface finishes, edges and radii, which are essential to the performance of fluid power:

Extrude Hone also provides all of our advanced manufacturing technologies through our global network of Contract Finishing Services locations.