Direct-writing by active tooling in electrochemical jet processing

Recent innovations in electrochemical jet processing have caused step changes in process flexibility and precision. However, utilisation of these innovations requires the development of new machine tool technology. Presented here is a new methodology enabling the exploitation of highly customisable energy density profiles regardless of toolpath vector whilst minimising any error from the intent profile. A further approach is defined whereby active tooling allows the energy density profile to be modulated as a function of position within the toolpath, giving rise to dynamic feature creation. Adoption of this methodology allows a new design freedom within electrochemical jet processes. (C) 2019 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.