OUR PROCESS

Pulsed electrochemical machining, also known as precision electrochemical machining (PECM) is a non-contact, non-thermal advanced material removal process capable of small features, super-finished surfaces, and high repeatability for metallic parts.  

​

Unlike other material removal technologies such as electrical discharge machining (EDM), Voxel's electrochemical machining is based on the principles of electrolysis. The machining operation involves a tool (the cathode) in the inverse shape of the desired workpiece (the anode).

​

As the tool moves towards the workpiece surface, it machines the workpiece into the complementary shape of the tool. This occurs as a pulsed DC current is applied, allowing for high precision and superior surface quality. At the same time, an electrolyte is pumped between the cathode and anode at high speed, removing dissolved metal and heat. 

The result is an operation capable of producing a burr-free 3D shape with no tool wear in alloys that are difficult or impossible to machine through traditional methods. As PECM can produce parts in parallel with excellent repeatability, it is well-suited to high-volume and/or high-value production.