Abstract: An apparatus and means for removing slivers and burrs from machined laminated components utilizes a salt solution, such as sodium nitrate, as the electrolyte which flows between a cathode and the laminated member which is connected to the positive terminal of an electrical power supply. The electrolyte is pumped into the gap between the cathode and laminated component and an electrical current flows between the laminated member and the cathode, removing metal which is deplated or released into the stream of electrolyte. The use of a salt solution, as opposed to an acidic solution, for the electrolyte fluid reduces the need for cleaning and neutralizing the acid remaining on the workpiece and, furthermore, reduces the potential hazards normally associated with the use of acids.

Abstract: A melt system including a susceptor-crucible assembly having improved gradient control when melt replenishment is used during dendritic web growth. The improvement lies in the formation of a thermal barrier in the base of the receptor which is in the form of a vertical slot in the region of the susceptor underlying the crucible at the location of a compartmental separator dividing the crucible into a growth compartment and a melt replenishment compartment. The result achieved is a step change in temperature gradient in the melt thereby providing a more uniform temperature in the growth compartment from which the dendritic web is drawn.