Effect of different electrolytes on electrochemical micro-machining of SS 316L

The use of stainless steel 316L (SS 316L) in the medical, marine, aerospace, bio-medical, and automobile sectors increases rapidly. Electrochemical micro-machining (ECMM) is appropriate method for machining SS due to its burr-free surface, no residual stress, high precision. However, some limitations are found using strong electrolytes, such as HCl, H2SO4, KOH, NaNO3, NaCl, which reportedly face difficulties disposing environment handling issues. Hence, this paper addresses overcoming disadvantages encountered ECMM process when electrolytes machine 316L. Therefore, different organic tartaric acid (C4H6O6), citric (C6H8O7), a combination (mixed electrolyte) considered select best electrolyte. Process parameters like voltage, duty cycle, electrolyte concentration included determining performance. performance evaluated material removal rate (MRR) overcut. overcut 179% less than mixed parameter 12 g/l, 11 V, 85%. On other hand, shows 114.2% higher MRR solutions 25%, 20 g/l. Furthermore, second-lowest all aspects Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) studies carried out realize effect on surface.