How is metal removed electrochemically?
The fundamental principle underlying the Burlytic® Process is not new. Also known as “reverse electroplating” this process has been used for a long time. Deburring and polishing occur when the workpiece is submerged in a conductive bath of Burlyte® Electrolyte and DC electric current is passed between the workpiece and a set of in-tank cathode screens. A cathode is simply a metal electrode of opposite polarity to the part. The part is always positive (+) and cathodes are always negative (-). As electrical current passes through the part and electrolyte, an electro-chemical process takes place at the part surface. The electrical current concentrates at points (the burrs) and along the part edges (see graphic). This effect causes metal to be selectively dissolved at the burred edges thus effectively removing the burrs and leaving the surfaces of the part mostly unaffected. The edges become slightly radiused. While the amount of material removed from the workpiece is primarily a function
