Analysis of manufacturing rectangular holes on SS304 using electrochemical machining method

Analysis of manufacturing rectangular holes in SS 304 material by electrochemical machining method (ECM) was carried out to determine the most optimal parameters for the outcome of surface roughness and Material Removal Rate (MRR) in a period of time. In this study. the machining process was carried out in a static state. where there was no flow of NaCl solution or movement of the anode. Variations gape within anode and cathode (workpiece), voltage, and type of NaCl are applied in this study. The voltages used are 10, 20, and 30V at temperatures of 30 °C. The types of solutions used were NaCl (90 wt% and 70 wt% water). The machining process is carried out in cells made of acrylic with a solution volume capacity of 140 ml. In this study SS 304 is used as anode and cathode which is connected by a connecting cable to a DC power supply. The result was ECM with NaCl (90% water) solution at 10 V, which is the optimal parameter. Then. the specimen will be observed using an optical microscope to determine the surface topography. The results of MMR for NaCl (70% water) solution at 30 V shows good condition. However, the parameter of surface roughness was not expected.