Electrochemical machining on blisk channels with a variable feed rate mode

Abstract

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is an economical and effective method for blisk manufacturing and includes two steps: channel machining and profile machining. The allowance distribution after the channel machining will directly affect the profile machining. Therefore, to improve the uniformity of allowance distribution in the machining of channels, a method that incorporates a variable feed rate mode is developed. During the machining process, the feed rates are dynamically changed according to the needs of the side gap at the different feed depths. As a result, the side gaps at the different feed depths vary, contributing to a decrease in the allowance difference. In this study, the dissolution processes of a blisk channel are simulated using different feed rates, and prediction profiles are obtained. Based on the prediction profiles, the relationship among the feed rate, feed depth, and side gap is established. Then, the feed rates at different feed depths are adjusted according to the relationship. In addition, contrast experiments are conducted. Compared with blisk channel ECM using a constant feed rate of 1 mm/min, using the variable feed rate decreases the allowance differences in the convex and concave parts by 62.2 % and 67.4 %, respectively. This indicates that using the variable feed rate in the ECM process for a blisk channel is feasible and efficient.