Influence of electrolyte viscosity on the surface quality during ECM of cobalt in alkaline electrolytes

Because of its excellent wear and corrosion resistance, cobalt is a component of numerous alloys which can be electrochemically machined under both acidic and neutral conditions. During ECM, films conform on the electrode and these can affect surface quality after machining in a manner which is widely understood. It is assumed that such film formation is related to the electrolyte viscosity. In this work, a clear relationship could be established between electrolyte viscosity and surface quality during ECM of cobalt in alkaline solution.