Electrochemical Grinding of WC-Co Cemented Carbides

An investigation is reported on electrochemical grinding (ECG) of WC-Co cemented carbides, with particular consideration of their heterogeneity. An analysis of the electro-chemical removal process for these materials indicates that electrochemical dissolution into the cobalt phase occurs initially at a much faster rate than into the carbide phase. It is proposed that selective removal of the cobalt in this way weakens the composite material, thereby reducing the power requirements for mechanical material removal during ECG. Experimental results are presented which illustrate the interaction between the electrochemical and mechanical processes.