Electrolytic technology for deburring
CoolPulse electrolytic technology from Extrude Hone deburrs, polishes, stress relieves, cleans and passivates all in one finishing process. The workpiece, which is subjected to no mechanical or thermal stresses, is immersed in an electrolyte solution - the ‘liquid tool’ - and a voltage applied.
The proprietary electrolyte used is a chilled, non-fuming, odourless and near neutral solution, rendering it very safe for handling; it has high electrical resistance, enabling selectivity and discrimination for the removal of burrs and peaks on surfaces.
Outside surfaces can be processed without the need for complicated cathodes matching the workpiece; and the liquid bath used in the process can treat many different types of metals with a change only to the electrical settings on the machine.
While CoolPulse is optimised for edge effect (deburring), substantial surface and cleanliness improvements are a natural by-product of the process. It can removing rough surfaces - Ra 2.5 to 5μm- and produce ultra-smooth surfaces down to Ra 0.1μm; it produces bright, or mirror like, finishes on stainless steel and bright to matt finishes on aluminum.
The company claims that the CoolPulse process is significantly faster than typical electropolishing. Average cycle times range from 15 seconds up to 3 minutes; smaller components typically take 10 to 15 seconds. It is formulated to tackle small- to medium-sized workpieces that may be inherently delicate or intricate by design.
Applications include medical components such as scissors, scalpels, stents or orthopedic implants and sophisticated parts for aerospace, semi-conductor and the automobile industry. CoolPulse ECM technology is suitable for nearly all conventional metals and metal alloys.
