Abstract: A method of dressing for a conductive grindstone, a dressing system for this method and a dressing electrode used in this method. According to the preferred embodiment, this method comprises reciprocating a dressing electrode, which is formed of a metal having large chemical affinity with the super abrasive grains of the grindstone, in a direction being vertical to the moving direction of the grindstone, while the electrode is brought into contact with the ground surface of the grindstone with a predetermined pressure and applying a voltage between the electrode and the grindstone so as to provide a positive pole on the grindstone, while a conductive processing fluid is flown on the portion of the electrode contacting with the grindstone. Therefore, electrochemical action, chemical action, mechanical operation and electro-discharge operation are cooperated in a dressing process.

Abstract: A method is provided for effectively and precisely cutting metals, ceramics, composite materials and the like by use of a blade having an elongated metal band body and a conductive abrasive layer adhered to a cutting edge thereof, with a first voltage difference selectively applied continuously or intermittently between the blade and an electrode disposed close to a side of the blade. A conductive processing fluid is supplied to a cutting portion between the blade and the workpiece and the first applied voltage is preferably applied to provide a negative pole on the blade side and a positive pole on the workpiece. Electrolytic, electro-discharge and grinding operations are thus provided simultaneously, to thereby permit rapid and precise cutting of hard, bittle and difficult-to-cut materials while maintaining the cutting effectiveness of the blade. In one aspect of this method, the blade is also provided with an insulation layer on at least a metal surface, and the cutting effects are thereby improved.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for effectively and precisely cutting metals, ceramics, composite materials and the like by use of a blade having an elongated metal band body and a conductive abrasive layer adhered to a cutting edge thereof, with an electrode disposed close to a side of the blade and a voltage difference is selectively applied continuously or intermittently between the electrode and the blade which is pressed against and reciprocated relative to the workpiece. A conductive processing fluid is supplied to a cutting portion between the blade and the workpiece and the processing voltage is continuously or intermittently applied to preferably provide a minus pole on the blade side and a plus pole on the work side. Electrolytic, electro-discharge and grinding operations are thus provided simultaneously, to thereby permit rapid and precise cutting of metals and other hard, brittle and difficult-to-cut materials whila maintaining the cutting effectiveness of the blade.