Abstract: A method for electrical discharge drilling of a hole in a part made of electroconductive material, in particular for an aircraft turbomachine, the method using an electrical discharge machine including a head that can move relative to the part and has a consumable EDM electrode, which is of elongated shape and is translationally moved along its elongation axis, the method including the following steps: a) advancing the EDM electrode towards the part in order to drill a hole in the part; and b) retracting the EDM electrode and removing the EDM electrode from the hole, wherein it further includes the following steps: c) laterally moving the head; d) advancing the EDM electrode towards the part in order to scan for the part; e) computing the effective depth of the hole drilled in step a).

Abstract: A base plate (21) is attached to a side wall surface of a pallet (P). A connecting rod (22) provided so as to protrude from the base plate (21) is configured to be movable on a surface (21a) of the base plate (21). An insertion hole (18) is provided in a housing (1) attached to a robot arm (R), and the connecting rod (22) is inserted in the insertion hole (18). Two pins (23 and 24) extending in parallel to an axial direction of the connecting rod (22) are provided so as to protrude from the base plate (21). The pins (23 and 24) are respectively inserted in support holes (19 and 20) of the housing (1).

Abstract: A tip device (1) includes a tubular tip (6) and a base (8) that is continuous with a rear end (6a) of the tip (6) and includes a first connector. The first connector detachably connects to a second connector provided in a container (2) to house the tip (6).

Abstract: A multi-slot die coater which can improve a problem of structural vulnerability to deformation and torsion. The multi-slot die coater including a lower slot and an upper slot includes a lower die block; an intermediate die block disposed on the lower die block to form the lower slot therebetween; and an upper die block disposed on the intermediate die block to form the upper slot therebetween, wherein at least one of the lower die block, the intermediate die block, and the upper die block includes a metal coating layer on a ceramic body.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge machining fixture includes a fixture body, two or more electrically conductive face contacts seated in the fixture body, and two or more electrically resistive point contacts seated in the fixture body. The electrically conductive face contacts and the electrically resistive point contacts define a 3-2-1 alignment system to locate an additively manufactured article relative to the fixture body during an electrostatic discharge machining operation. Electrostatic discharge machining arrangements and methods of supporting additively manufactured workpieces during electrostatic discharge machining operations are also described.

Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

Abstract: A cutting electrode head for a handheld electrical discharge machining (EDM) device comprising: a housing; a cutting electrode supported in the housing, and configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position along an electrode axis (C) to cut a workpiece; and an actuator supported in the housing and movable along a movement axis (E) which is at an angle to the electrode axis (C), wherein movement of the actuator along the movement axis (E) causes the cutting electrode to move between its retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus are provided. The substrate processing apparatus allows a supply flow rate per unit time for process gas supplied to the central area of a substrate to be greater than a supply flow rate per unit time for process gas supplied to an edge area of the substrate, when processing the edge area of the substrate supported by the chuck.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical discharge machining (EDM) device, and a method for machining a workpiece by the EDM device. The EDM device includes a spindle, a guide structure including a plurality of guideways, and a plurality of electrodes, the electrode coupled to the spindle via a flexible link, and slidably engaged with a respective one of the plurality of guideways.

Abstract: The production of a device for holding one or more electrodes for electrical discharge machining, comprising a body having a rectilinear portion in which at least one first duct is provided for the passage of one or more electrode(s). The body further has an integral curved portion in which (at least) one second curved dielectric fluid supply duct is provided and in which is provided a curved extension of said at least one first duct. The curved extension and the second curved duct are made of ceramic, with an inner mean roughness of: Ra<2 ?m.

Abstract: A compact lower guide unit that allows the electrode guide to be attached and detached more easily and reliably. Provided is a lower guide unit including a housing, an electrode guide, and a pull-up mechanism having a guide support, links, and a power cylinder. The guide support includes a biasing member and a displacement member. The biasing member can bias the displacement member, and the displacement member can be displaced between a restriction position and a release position. The links can be rotated by a force applied by the power cylinder. The electrode guide is fixed to the guide support by a biasing force of the biasing member when the displacement member is in the restriction position, and the electrode guide is released from the lower guide unit when the displacement member is displaced to the release position.

Abstract: An electro-discharge machining (EDM) device that includes a housing, an erosion electrode, a ground electrode, and a dielectric inlet. The housing is configured to be positioned on a surface of a workpiece and proximal to a fastener to be eroded. The planar erosion electrode is positioned at least partially within the housing, with the erosion electrode being movable relative to the housing in a first axis. The first axis is substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. The ground electrode is conductively connected to the fastener. The dielectric inlet is configured to deliver a dielectric fluid to a region between the erosion electrode and the fastener.

Abstract: A vacuum arc thruster device having a cathode rod disposed within a concentric insulator tube, and an anode electrode located at the distal edge of the insulator tube, separated from the cathode rod by the insulator tube. A controlled feeding mechanism moves the cathode towards the distal exit plane in a helical motion, the cathode rotating as it moves forward. The cathode rod is fixed in the center of a headless screw segment, which is rotated within a screw thread on the internal surface of a cylindrical wall of the device. As the erosion rate is concentrated at the exit plane, the screw action path enables uniform erosion around the cathode circumference, and cathode linear motion that can be matched to the radial erosion rate. The feeding rate and hence the thrust are proportional to the input power, which can be regulated by the pulse frequency.

Abstract: A copper-coated steel wire includes a core wire made of a steel and a coating layer made of copper or a copper alloy which covers an outer peripheral surface of the core wire. The coating layer includes an intermediate layer which is disposed in a region including the interface with the core wire and has a higher zinc concentration than a remaining region of the coating layer.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining unit capable of stably supplying working fluid to the vicinity of a portion to be machined. The electric discharge machining unit includes a tool electrode, a housing, an electrode guide, and a working fluid supplying device. The housing includes a fitting hole having a tapered surface. A first supply path is formed in the housing. The electrode guide includes a tapered portion and an ejection opening formed on a lower surface. A first flow path is formed in the electrode guide. The tapered portion is configured to be fitted into the fitting hole to connect the first flow path to the first supply path. The working fluid supplied from the working fluid supplying device to the first supply path and the first flow path is ejected from the ejection opening.

Abstract: A machining apparatus includes a curved outer conduit, a curved rotary electrode and a driving motor. The outer conduit has a cavity and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The electrode includes a flexible shaft positioned in the cavity and having a first end and a second end, and a machining head having a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the cavity and electrically connected with the first end of the flexible shaft to be powered via the flexible shaft. The motor is mechanically coupled to the second end of the flexible shaft for driving the flexible shaft to rotate. A machining system includes the machining apparatus, a power supply for powering the flexible shaft, an electrolyte supply for providing electrolyte to the fluid inlet and a machine tool onto which the outer conduit and the motor are positioned.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plug for a pipe system includes cutting a plug from a length of pipe, the length of pipe defining a pipe bore, the pipe bore defining an inner diameter equal to an inner diameter of a main bore of the plug, the plug including a top portion defining a top diameter, a bottom portion defining a bottom diameter, and a web portion joining the top portion and the bottom portion.

Abstract: A method for producing a cavity in a blade platform of a blade, in particular of a turbine blade, as part of a blade-platform cooling system, wherein the method has the steps of: producing a first bore from a first platform lateral face in the direction of an opposite second platform lateral face, with a first opening in the first platform lateral face being created, and expanding the first bore in a fan-like manner by an electrical discharge machining method, in particular using a wire- or bar-form electrode, such that the first opening, created in the first step, of the first bore represents the starting point of the fan-like expansion. A blade is produced in particular with such a method.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing glass fiber, capable of stably performing the spinning of glass fibers without mixing of red crystals in glass fibers. When glass fibers are formed by discharging, from a nozzle tip, a molten glass obtained by melting glass raw materials mixed so as to give a glass composition including, when melted, in relation to the total amount thereof, SiO2 in a range from 57.0 to 62.0% by mass, Al2O3 in a range from 15.0 to 20.0% by mass, MgO in a range from 7.5 to 12.0% by mass, and CaO in a range from 9.0 to 16.5% by mass, and having a total content of SiO2, Al2O3, MgO and CaO of 98.0% by mass or more, the glass composition includes B2O3, Li2O, or B2O3 and Li2O as an additive or additives capable of suppressing the generation of red crystals.

Abstract: Electrodes for and methods of electrical discharge machining are provided. For example, a method for forming a feature in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component comprises repeatedly advancing an electrode into and retracting the electrode from the CMC component until a desired depth is reached, where the electrode has a head end, a tip end, and a shaft extending from the head end to the tip end. The shaft has a first side and a second side each recessed inward such that the head end and the tip end are wider than the shaft. A method for forming a feature in a CMC component also may include feeding a dielectric fluid into the feature utilizing the recessed sides. In some embodiments, electrodes may include a shaft extending from a head end to a tip end and a central plane, where the shaft is recessed widthwise toward the central plane.

Abstract: A turbine blade in an industrial gas turbine includes a blade surface to be cooled by a film of cooling fluid, a plurality of cooling holes on the blade surface through which cooling fluid flows, each cooling hole including an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and a trench on the blade surface surrounding at least one outlet portion of the cooling hole, the trench extending in an axial direction and a radial direction from the outlet portion of the cooling hole, wherein the outlet portion of the cooling hole has a shape configured to generate a first stage diffusion of the cooling fluid and a wall of the trench is positioned in the axial direction from the outlet portion of the cooling hole to generate a second stage diffusion of the cooling fluid, thereby forming the film of cooling fluid.

Abstract: It has been found that metal parts having rough surfaces can be manufactured by (1) compacting a metal powder under high pressure in a mold to make a green part, wherein at least one face of the mold is roughened by electrical discharge machining to have an Ra of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a stylus tip, (2) heating the green metal part to a temperature of at least 1500° F. to sinter the green metal part to produce the metal part having at least one rough surface, wherein the rough surface has an Ra which is within the range of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a chisel tip, and (3) optionally, buffing, classifying, deburring and/or washing the metal part. This method can be beneficially used in manufacturing clutch plates, pressure plates, and cam shaft sprockets.

Abstract: A scale-style micro-texture electrode wire material and a preparation method therefor and use thereof. In particular, the electrode wire material has a scale-style micro-texture layer on the surface, and the electrode wire material comprises: i) an alloy substrate layer as an inner layer; ii) an interdiffusion layer as an intermediate layer; and iii) a plating layer as an outer layer; and a contact angle of the electrode wire material to a cooling liquid is 105-150°. A method for preparing the electrode wire material and a use thereof. Due to the special surface bionic structure, the electrode wire can obviously reduce the cutting resistance and improve the cooling speed, thereby improving the cutting speed and effectively improving the use performance of the electrode wire. The preparation method has the characteristics of simple process and easy for industrial production.

Abstract: A method for checking a geometry of an electric discharge machining electrode is described. The method comprises the following steps: providing a file containing a native 3D-model of the electric discharge machining electrode; providing a manufactured electric discharge machining electrode based on the native 3D-model; light scanning a set of images of the manufactured electric discharge machining electrode in different positions and generating therewith a scanned 3D-model of the manufactured electric discharge machining electrode; comparing the native 3D-model and the scanned 3D-model and generating electrode compensation coordinates for an electric discharge machining apparatus, to correct an electrode path during electric discharge machining.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrode assembly comprising a carriage having a plurality of electrode holders, the electrode holders being respectively configured to detachably receive a plurality of electrodes, the electrodes include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes. The first electrodes are configured for rough machining a workpiece by electric discharging or wire electric discharging to remove material from the workpiece, the second electrodes are configured for finish machining the rough machined workpiece by electric discharging to remove material from the rough machined workpiece.

Abstract: A mobile function device, in particular a mobile tool-system function device configured to be disposed on an extremity of an operator, includes at least one sensor unit configured to sense at least one emission characteristic quantity and/or at least one position-specific characteristic quantity, and at least one communication unit configured to transmit electronic data to at least one external unit, in particular to a portable power tool and/or to an item of safety clothing. The mobile function device further includes at least one computing unit configured to generate, in dependence on the at least one sensed emission characteristic quantity and/or the at least one sensed position-specific characteristic quantity, electronic data configured to control the at least one external unit by open-loop and/or closed-loop control. The at least one communication unit configured to transmit the generated electronic data to the at least one external unit.

Abstract: A turbine blade in an industrial gas turbine includes a blade surface to be cooled by a film of cooling fluid, a plurality of cooling holes on the blade surface through which cooling fluid flows, each cooling hole including an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and a trench on the blade surface surrounding at least one outlet portion of the cooling hole, the trench extending in an axial direction and a radial direction from the outlet portion of the cooling hole, wherein the outlet portion of the cooling hole has a shape configured to generate a first stage diffusion of the cooling fluid and a wall of the trench is positioned in the axial direction from the outlet portion of the cooling hole to generate a second stage diffusion of the cooling fluid, thereby forming the film of cooling fluid.

Abstract: This fine hole electrical discharge machine applies voltage between a fine hole machining electrode and a workpiece to cause discharge, and machines a fine hole in the workpiece by using energy of the discharge. The fine hole electrical discharge machine comprises: a bendable guide tube having a hollow portion through which the electrode is inserted; and a tube holder that supports the leading end of the guide tube and allows the leading end of the guide tube to be inclined at a desired angle. Thus, even when the workpiece has a complicated shape, like a blisk, having a large number of turbine blades arranged in the circumferential direction, a fine hole can be machined by accurately positioning the electrode so as to orient the electrode toward a target machining point on a surface of the workpiece without involving interference with the workpiece.

Abstract: A repair tool and repair method for restoring gas turbine engine blade tips to a predetermined configuration is provided. The repair tool is an electrode that includes a tool body and a number of pins. The repair tool can be used to repair turbine blade tips through an electrical discharge machining process, such as a ram- or sink-type electrical discharge machining process.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining (EDM) system, control system and related methods. Various embodiments include a control system for controlling a plurality of electrode devices in an EDM system to form holes in a workpiece. The control system can be configured to perform a process including: initiating a hole formation program for each of the plurality of electrode devices; determining whether at least one electrode has completed formation of a corresponding hole in the workpiece; and separating at least one electrode from the workpiece in response to determining that at least one electrode has completed formation of the corresponding hole.

Abstract: An airfoil according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first cooling hole with a first cooling passage arranged at a first angle relative to a chordwise axis and a second cooling hole with a second cooling passage arranged at a second different angle relative to the chordwise axis. A radial projection of the first cooling passage intersects a radial projection of the second cooling passage.

Abstract: A crash prevention device for a machine tool for preventing the collision of a moving part of the machine tool with other machine tool parts or with a workpiece in a working area of the machine tool includes an isolation mechanism that electrically isolates the moving part from the other machine tool parts or the workpiece. The device includes a detection system with a high voltage generator having a first positive connector electrically connected to the moving part and a negative connector electrically connected to the workpiece or to the other machine tool parts. The high voltage generator generates DC, AC, or pulsating voltage. The detection system includes a discharge detection device that detects an electrical discharge between the moving part and the workpiece or between the moving part and the other machine tool parts, then sends a signal to stop or adapt further relative movement of the moving part.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining method includes a step in which a pipe electrode is arranged such that the axis line of the pipe electrode faces the depth direction of the throughholes, the pipe electrode is moved relative to the workpiece, and a sloped section is formed; a step in which a straight section connected to the sloped section is formed; and a step in which the pipe electrode is arranged such that the axis line is vertical relative to the inside wall surface of the sloped section, the pipe electrode is moved relative to the workpiece, and the inside wall surface is machined.

Abstract: A welding wire is formed from a hoop having an inner surface and formed from a metal material, a core wire having a surface and formed from a metal material, and an alkaline metal compound. The hoop metal material and the core wire metal material are different from each other. A composition of the welding wire is divided into the hoop metal material and the core wire metal material. The alkaline metal compound is disposed between the inner face of the hoop and the surface of the core wire. An amount of the alkaline metal compound is from more than 10 ppm to 1000 ppm based on a weight of the welding wire.

Abstract: There may be provided a laser apparatus including: an optical resonator including an output coupler; a laser chamber containing a laser medium and disposed in an optical path inside the optical resonator; a pair of discharge electrodes disposed inside the laser chamber; an electrode gap varying section configured to vary a gap between the discharge electrodes; a laser beam measurement section disposed in an optical path of a laser beam outputted from the output coupler, the laser beam resulting from electric discharge between the discharge electrodes; and a controller configured to control the gap between the discharge electrodes through activating the electrode gap varying section, based on a beam parameter of the laser beam measured by the laser beam measurement section.

Abstract: A segmented engine component has multiple segments which are connected to each other via a featherseal arrangement. Each of the components has a combined featherseal slot and lightening pocket.

Abstract: An instant clamping mechanism includes a supporting member, a base seat, a clamping assembly and a handle assembly. The base seat is assembled to the supporting member and defines a sliding groove, the sliding groove includes a releasing end and a latching end, an axial distance within the base seat is defined from the latching end to the releasing end. The clamping assembly extends through the base seat and the supporting member and is partially exposed out from the supporting member. The handle assembly extends into the sliding groove and is partially exposed out from the base seat. The handle assembly is non-rotatably connected to the clamping assembly and is capable of sliding from the releasing end to the latching end to move the clamping assembly axially within the base seat, thereby clamping the workpiece on the supporting member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode for electrical-discharge surface treatment includes increasing oxygen content in the powder; mixing the powder, in which the oxygen content is increased, with an organic binder and a solvent to prepare a liquid mixture; granulating the powder in the liquid mixture to form granulated powder; and forming the granulated powder to prepare a compact in which an oxygen concentration ranges from 4 weight % to 16 weight %.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-piece or composite graphite blank applicable for EDM or other similar needs. The composite electrode will combine a low cost backer substrate material manufactured to size for fixture holding without additional machining for attachment with a high cost material sufficient for the EDM process. The two pieces will be physically attached by an adhesive suitable for bonding graphite or copper impregnated graphite. The pre no-machining backer material sized for fixture holding reduces waste and machining costs for end users.

Abstract: Provided are an eccentric electrode for an electric discharge machining apparatus, a method of manufacturing the same, and a micro electric discharge machining apparatus including the same that are capable of generating a micro cylindrical shape on a workpiece with simple operations. The electrode for an electric discharge machining apparatus having a machining head is provided. The electrode includes a first member rotatably attached to the machining head and having a rotation axis, and a second member mounted on the first member, eccentrically disposed with respect to the rotation axis of the first member, and having an inverse tapered shape facing away from the machining head. Accordingly, a conveyance path for machining the object being processed can be simplified to increase its efficiency.

Abstract: Described herein is an electric discharge machining (EDM) assembly having an EDM electrode capable of machining multiple regions of a valve seat within a valve body. The electrode includes two cutting surfaces that are separate from each other. The EDM assembly is capable of removing material from a first region of a valve seat while moving the first cutting surface in a first direction and capable of removing material from a second region while moving the second cutting surface in a second direction.

Abstract: A forming 7 die is filled with a powder (11) of electrode material, the powder (11) of electrode material filled in the forming die is compressed to form a porous powder compact (27), the porous powder compact (27) is set in place in a chamber (25) of a heat-treating furnace (23), the chamber (25) is supplied with inert gas or hydrogen gas, and inert gas or hydrogen gas is heated by heaters (39) in the heat-treating furnace (23) and blown toward the powder compact (27), as blows circulating in the chamber (25), whereby the powder compact is heated with heat of convection flows of inert gas or hydrogen gas, or mixed gas containing inert gas as principal component and hydrogen gas, so the electrode material of the powder compact is sintered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire electrode (10) for the spark-erosive cutting of articles, comprising and electrically conductive core (2) and a jacket (5) surrounding the core (2), which jacket comprises at least on ?+?-cover layer (6) that contains ?-brass and/or ??-brass. In order to provide a wire electrode that has improved cutting efficiency, according to the invention, the ?+?-cover layer (6) forms a homogenous phase (7) of ?-brass and/or ??-brass in ?+?-brass grains (8) having an ?+?-phase and/or a ?+??-phase are embedded.

Abstract: An electrode applied in electro-machining processes is provided. The electrode comprises a main body portion and at least one built-in internal flushing passage for introducing a flushing liquid to a volume between the electrode and a workpiece to be machined. The electrode is made by an additive fabrication process that enables specialized flushing for enhancing waste material evacuation and incorporate special material properties like zones of high electrical conductivity and thermal resistance. The fabrication process produces materials and geometries that could not otherwise be made using conventional processing.

Abstract: A microhole electric discharge machining apparatus that forms a conical inverse-tapered hole on a workpiece by a thin wire electrode, includes, an electrode holder that holds an upper part of the thin wire electrode and feeds a lower part of the thin wire electrode downward to stretch the lower part to the workpiece by rotating the thin wire electrode; a first guide member that is arranged near the workpiece upper surface and is provided with a first guide hole through which the thin wire electrode is penetrated on a hole-machining axis; a second guide member that is arranged between the first guide member and the electrode holder and is provided with a second guide hole through which the thin wire electrode is penetrated at a position eccentric from the hole-machining axis; and a swivel driving unit that circularly swivels the second guide member around the hole-machining axis.

Abstract: A sinker electric discharge machining apparatus includes a quill 10, to which a tool electrode is attached, and a linear motor device configured to generate a linear movement of the quill towards a workpiece. The quill includes a plate member 11 made of a metal or an alloy, a first reinforcing member 51 fixed to a front surface 14 of the plate member, a second reinforcing member 52 fixed to the front surface of the plate member, a third reinforcing member 53 fixed to a back surface 15 of the plate member and disposed opposite to the first reinforcing member across the plate member, and a fourth reinforcing member 54 fixed to the back surface of the plate member and disposed opposite to the second reinforcing member across the plate member. The quill has a cross-section that is symmetric in a width direction of the plate member.

Abstract: A wall in which there is formed at least one cooling channel, said wall being cooled by cool air flowing in the channel, the channel comprising a hole and a diffusion portion, the hole opening out at one end into the inside surface of the wall, and at its other end into the diffusion portion where it forms an orifice, the diffusion portion flaring around said orifice and opening out into the outside surface of the wall, the diffusion portion having a bottom whose front end is substantially plane, sloping, and extending in front of the orifice, and also having a margin extending behind, round the sides, and in front of the orifice, said margin joining the sides of the front end. A method and an electrode for making such a cooling channel. A turbomachine blade presenting such a wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electrode wire for electro-discharge machining and a method for manufacturing the same. The electrode wire includes a core wire including a first metal including copper, a first alloy layer formed at a boundary region between the core wire and a second metal plated on an outer surface of the core wire due to mutual diffusion between the core wire and the second metal, and a second alloy layer formed due to diffusion of the first metal to the second metal. A core wire material is erupted onto a surface of the electrode wire for electro-discharge machining, which includes the core wire, the first alloy layer, and the second alloy layer, along cracks appearing on the second alloy layer, so that a plurality of grains are formed on the surface of the electrode wire.

Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.