Abstract: In order to reduce friction of a crank shaft during operation by a large amount with low complexity through structuring sliding bearing surfaces (1) of the crank shaft through controlled introduction of microscopically small indentations (27) it is proposed for the center bearings and the crank bearings to only structure highly loaded portions of the bearing surface in circumferential direction and also in axial direction since this is already difficult to achieve in view of the operating gap towards the tool that only has a size of a few ?m.

Abstract: In order to reduce friction of a crank shaft during operation by a large amount with low complexity through structuring sliding bearing surfaces (1) of the crank shaft through controlled introduction of microscopically small indentations (27) it is proposed for the center bearings and the crank bearings to only structure highly loaded portions of the bearing surface in circumferential direction and also in axial direction since this is already difficult to achieve in view of the operating gap towards the tool that only has a size of a few ?m.

Abstract: A method for on-line removal of cathode depositions during electrochemical process. The process control unit (30) is arranged to alternate the unipolar machining voltage pulses U1 with the voltage pulses of opposite polarity U2 to the work piece (2) and the cathode (3). The process control unit comprises an arrangement to determine the amount of cathode depositions on-line based on the operational parameter. Only in case the operational parameter exceeds the allowable level, the process control unit (30) alternates the unipolar machining voltage pulses U1 with the voltage pulses of opposite polarity U2. In this case the cathode wear is minimized.

Abstract: A method for on-line removal of cathode depositions during electrochemical process. The process control means (30) are arranged to alternate the unipolar machining voltage pulses U1 with the voltage pulses of opposite polarity U2 to the work piece (2) and the cathode (3). The process control means comprise an arrangement to determine the amount of cathode depositions on-line based on the operational parameter. Only in case the operational parameter exceeds the allowable level, the process control means (30) alternate the unipolar machining voltage pulses U1 with the voltage pulses of opposite polarity U2. In this case the cathode wear is minimized.

Abstract: A method of controlling a process of electrochemically machining an electrically conductive workpiece employing the spectral composition of the measured voltage within a predetermined measuring period such as induced by an applied current between the electrically conductive workpiece and an electrode tool. A process of electrochemically machining employing a material removing step with electric current supplied continuously and an a workpiece shaping step with electric current supplied intermittently. An advantageous embodiment employs extreme short pulses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cutting member (3). According to the method, a single side 9 of a carrier 1 of the cutting member is provided with an auxiliary layer (11). The carrier is provided with a cutting edge (7) by means of an electrochemical machining device (19), an electrode (21) of the electrochemical machining device being arranged on a side (15) of the carrier remote from the auxiliary layer. According to the invention, the auxiliary layer is provided as far as the cutting edge to be provided on the carrier, and, after the cutting edge has been provided on the carrier, the auxiliary layer is maintained on the carrier as a layer which is functional for the cutting member. In this manner, the auxiliary layer has a double function and is thus utilized in a better way. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary layer mainly comprises SiO2 and has a thickness below 200 nm, preferably below 100 nm.

Abstract: In a method for electrochemical machining, the working distance is set by contacting the workpiece with the electrode, increasing the distance between the workpiece and the electrode by a first distance, detecting whether the contact between the electrode and the workpiece is broken, and further increasing the distance between the workpiece and the electrode by a second distance. Owing to this method, very small working distances can be set with a limited risk of short-circuiting and flash-over.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming one or more through-holes in a metal workpiece, such as shaving foils or shaving combs, by means of an electrochemical machining apparatus (ECM apparatus). To this end, the method is characterized in that, during machining, the workpiece is provided on a substrate of an electroconductive, electrochemically inert material, such as a noble metal (alloy), in particular a noble metal (alloy) which is predominantly composed of Pt. Preferably, the workpiece is clamped onto the substrate. By virtue of said measures, rounding of the edges between the holes formed and the surface of the workpiece, which is clamped down on the substrate during machining, is reduced substantially. This has a favorable effect on the formation of sharp cutting faces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing one or more through-holes in a metal workpiece by means of an electrochemical machining apparatus (ECM apparatus). Said method is characterized in that the surface of the workpiece from which the electrode of the ECM apparatus emerges is provided with an auxiliary layer, which comprises a polymeric network composed of organic and inorganic fragments. In this manner, rounding at the boundary between the holes formed and the exit surface of the ECM electrode is precluded. A polymeric network comprising silicon oxide and zirconium oxide as well as carbon-containing fragments, which are incorporated in the polymeric network via SiC bonds, are preferred.The invention can very advantageously be used to manufacture shaving foils and shaving combs.