The electrochemical arc machining (ECAM) process has been studied by high-speed photography over a wide range of conditions. The experimental results obtained have provided an unusual insight into the ECAM process, for which a theoretical analysis is proposed. The benefit of ECAM over electrochemical machining (ECM) or electrodischarge machining (EDM) is shown to be increased only if the rate of discharges in ECAM can be improved. Possible methods to enhance the discharges are discussed.
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