GKN Aerospace Engine Products

Capabilities ::: Benefits of ECM

	Not sensitive to material hardness - No extra costs on hard material
	Handles complex shapes - No engineering limitations
	ECM + forging is lighter and stronger - Better engine efficiency
	Holds extremely tight tolerances - Better engine efficiency
	Stress-free and burr-free - Better mechanical properties
	Quicker machine times (blisks, IBRs) - Cost effective

The following chart compares some of the benefits of ECM when compared to other traditionally used manufacturing processes.

ECM	Chemical Milling	EDM
Uses NaCl (salt) solution	Uses acid solution	Uses dielectric solution
Ionic dissolution with electricity	Ionic dissolution with chemicals	Melting process with electricity
No recast & parent metal undisturbed; capable of complex contours	No recast; cuts constant or stepped depths	Leaves recast; capable of complex contours
Fast metal removal rate	Slow metal removal rate	Slow metal removal rate
Larger volume contouring	Shallow contouring	Smaller volume contouring
All byproducts are easily recycled	Acid makes byproduct handling difficult	Requires dielectric disposal