FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10; rule 13]
"ELECTROCHEMICAL MACHINING METHOD”
ULTRA SYSTEMS LIMITED, 3A Drayton Court, Drayton Gardens, South Kensington, SW10 9Q, England,
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

ELECTROCHEMICAL MACHINING
This invention relates to electrochemical machining (ECM].
ECM is a known technique for machining metal workpieces. A
cathode is advanced" towards the anodic workpiece in the presence of an
5 electrolyte and a current is passed between the cathode and the workpiece
through the electrolyte so as to cause material to be removed eiectroiytically from the surface of the workpiece.
This technique can be used for the machining of irregularly shaped
workpieces such as dies and moulds, as well as irregularly shaped holes in
10 metals which do riot readily yield to mechanical cutting. Also,
`````` three-dimensional patterns can be applied to workpiece surfaces derived
from a correspondingly shaped cathode.
High currents are desirable to attain high rates of removal of material,
and the smaller the gap between the cathode and the workpiece the sharper
15 is the machining definition which can be achieved.
However, with high currents and small gaps there is the problem that
debris and any operational irregularities can give rise to adverse effects such
as surface roughness, poor accuracy and even damaging short circuits. In"
practice therefore it is necessary to limit the gap to, say, no smaller than
0.2mm, and this imposes a limitation on the sharpness of definition which
can be achieved.
An object of the present invention is to provide an ECM technique

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with which very small gaps can be used with high machining quality,
accuracy and productivity.
According to one aspect of the Invention therefore there is provided
an ECM technique wherein a cathode is advanced towards an anodic
workpiece in the presence of an electrolyte and a current is passed between
the cathode and the workpiece through the electrolyte so as to cause
material to be removed electrolytically from the surface of the material
characterised in that vibratory movement is imposed on the cathode so as •
to cause the gap between the cathode and the workpiece to vary, and the
current is also varied.
With this technique it has been found that the vibration of the
cathode and the variation of the current can counter adverse effects of
debris and operational irregularities whereby it is feasible to use much
smaller gaps and consequently sharper machining definition can be
achieved. Gaps down to say 0.01mm or even 0.005mm may be feasible,
compared with conventionally used gaps down to say 0.2mm.
The vibratory movement applied to the cathode may comprise a main
vibration preferably a periodic oscillation particularly of a low frequency, say
in the range 1 to 100 Hz, conveniently of the order of 50 Hz. This
oscillation may be a sine wave oscillation of constant characteristics and
preferably it is applied, wholly or largely along the direction of advancement
of the cathode towards the workpiece.

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With regard to the current variation, this may be of any suitable
nature but preferably occurs on a periodic basis, which may be matched to,
and preferably occurs at the same frequency as, the main vibratory
movement of the cathode such that current peaks or pulses are delivered
at or close to positions in the oscillatory cycle of the cathode corresponding
to the smallest gap or nearest positioning of the cathode and workpiece.
Most preferably; the current variation has a fixed phase relationship with the main vibratory movement of the cathode such that the current puises or peaks coincide with, or lag or lead to a predetermined extent, the
smallest gap positions in the main vibratory movement cycle.
By arranging for current puises or peaks to coincide with or be close to positions of maximum convergence between the cathode and workpiece srosion efficiency can be promoted. By arranging for the current to decline, be switched off, as the cathode moves away from the workpiece it can
be achieved that current flow is commutated thereby minimizing stray erosion, which is adverse to accuracy. The period during which the gap increases and current flow decreases or terminates gives an opportunity for debris and machined particles to be flushed away.
Additionally or alternatively, the vibratory movement applied to the cathode may comprise a secondary vibration- preferably of a higher frequency than the main vibration, generally of the nature of an ultrasonic oscillation, particularly having a frequency in the range 10 to 60 KHz i.e.

4-
10 to 40 KHz or 20 to 60 KHz. This oscillation may be a sine wave
oscillation or of any other suitable wave form.
This higher frequency vibration can cause capitation in the electrolyte
between the cathode and the workpiece which dislodges debris and can
5 allow operation with smaller gaps over larger areas without requiring unduly
high current levels due to the blocking effect of bubbles. An even spread
of electrolyte over the cathode and workpiece surface can be facilitated.
Also the capitation can help remove metal oxide film and thereby facilitate
activation of machining on oxidised metals.
10 Most preferably this secondary vibratory movement is applied to the
cathode simultaneously with the aforesaid main vibratory movement.
Preferably also, the secondary vibration is applied wholly or largely
along the direction of advancement of the cathode towards the workpiece.
The secondary vibratory movement of the cathode may occur
15 continuously with constant, regular characteristics. Alternatively, the
vibration, may be discontinuous, and/or may vary or be irregular with regard
to frequency, amplitude, mark-space ratio or any other characteristic as
desired. Thus, by way of example, the secondary vibration can be
frequency and/or amplitude modulated and can be applied as individual
20 "pulses or as packages of pulses and may be locked to the variation (e.g.
frequency) of the electric current and/or to the frequency of the main vibration.

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ln a preferred embodiment the secondary vibration movement is tuned ' in
relation to the cathode's mechanical properties to give resonance.
A control system Is preferably provided to effect automatic control of machining parameters, and conveniently this system may be computerised.
Thus the control system may control advancement of the cathode as material is removed from the workpiece surface so as to maintain a desired cathode/workpiece gap. This may be achieved by monitoring current and/or voitage characteristics across the gap. Additionally or aiternatively other indications may be utilised such as optical or acoustic monitoring of the gap. In the latter respect, where ultrasonic secondary vibratory movement is applied to the cathode as mentioned above this can result in the generation of an acoustic signal dependent on the magnitude of the gap and this can be monitored with a transducer.
The control system may also control advancement in relation to a determined starting reference position so as to achieve a-desired depth of machining in the workpiece. This reference position may be established by determining the position of the cathode when the workpiece is contacted by the cathode, preferably at.a bottom-dead-centre position of vibratory movement of the cathode.
The control system may operate to control advancement of the cathode so as to maintain constant parameters for the gap. Aiternatively however the control system may operate to vary the gap depending on

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factors such as detected variations in machining conditions, or the stage in
the machining process e.g. such that initial machining takes place with a
larger gap and final precision finishing takes place with a smaller gap.
Alternatively or additionally the control system may control voltage
5 and/or current across the cathode/workpiece gap so as to maintain a desired
rate of machining, which may be a constant rate or a varying rate. In the
latter case, the machining rate may be varied in dependence on machining
conditions and/or stage in the machining process.
Provision may be made for pre-setting the control system in
10 accordance with different requirements, relating for example to different
materials, or different types or characteristics of shapes to be macninecf.
Provision may also be made for pre-setting other parameters for this
purpose, in particular, parameters of the main and/or secondary vibration
and/or the current variation, as mentioned above.
15 The control system may also be utilised to monitor and maintain at
a predetermined ox pre-set value parameters relating to the supply of
electrolyte, particularly the pressure of the electrolyte.
The electrolyte is preferably caused to flow between the cathode and
workpiece e.g. by pumping from an inlet to an outlet through a vessel or
20 shroud enclosing at least parts of the cathode and workpiece.
The electrolyte may be supplemented by an injected aqueous medium
which may contain an acid or alkali and/or a salt solution and/or abrasive

particfes.
The invention also provides a machine for use in performing the
method described above comprising a cathode support, a workpiece
support, means for supplying electrolyte between the cathode and
5 workpiece, means for supplying current to the cathode and the workpiece,
means for advancing the cathode towards the workpiece, means for
applying vibratory movement to the cathode to vary the gap between the
cathode and the workpiece, and means for varying the current supplied to*
the cathode and the workpiece.
10 In addition the advancement and vibratory movement of the cathode,
provision may also be made for other movements to facilitate machining of
different or larger shapes. Thus, provision may be made for movement in
one or more axes transversely to the direction of advancement and/or
rotation of the cathode about the direction of advancement.
15 The invention will now be described further by way of example only
and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figures 1 and 2 are diagrammatic sectional views of a cathode and an
anodic workpiece in two relative positions . in the
performance of an ECM process in accordance with one
20 embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one form of a control system
used in the performance of the process; .

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Figures 4-9 are waveforms illustrating different parameters of the
process for different modes of operation;
Figures 10-14 are waveforms illustrating further different parameters
of the process for different modes of operation; and
5 Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figures 1 and 2
showing a modification.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an ECM process for erosion of the
surface of a metal workpiece is performed within the confines of a vessel
or shroud (not shown) containing or enclosing the workpiece 1 and a
10 shaped cathode 2.
The workpiece 1 is removably fixed in position on a work table and
the cathode 2 is supported above the workpiece so as to be movable
upwards and downwards along a vertical axis (Z). The cathode 2 is also
movable in other directions (X, Y, R) as discussed below.
15 An electrolyte, namely a 5 to 10% aqueous solution of sodium
chloride or sodium nitrate, is pumped through Jets 3 between°the cathode 2 and the workpiece 1 at a velocity of say 100m/s.
A DC power supply 4 is connected to the cathode 2 and the
workpiece 1, giving a negative potential at the cathode 2 and a positive
20 potential at the workpiece 1, the potential difference being say 15-20 volts.
The cathode 2 has an upright stem structure 5 with a lower shaped head 6. The head 6 is shaped in correspondence with the desired shape to

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be machined in the workpiece t.
The stem structure 5 Is mounted for movement of the cathode 2
along the vertical axis Z and appropriate mechanisms 7, 8, 9 are provided
for effecting controlled movement along the vertical axis Z in three modes,
namely progressive advancement, vibratory movement up and down
(oscillation) at a low frequency, and vibratory movement up and down
(oscillation) at a higher frequency. Any suitable mechanisms may be used,
for example, a screw drive 7 may be used for progressive advancement, a
cam driven by a DC motor 8 may be used for low frequency oscillation, and
an electromechanical device 9, such as a piezo crystal or electromagnetic
coil or the like may be used for the higher frequency oscillation.
(n addition, the cathode 2 is movable, by appropriate drive
mechanisms {not shown) along two, mutually perpendicular horizontal
axes X, Y, and also the cathode 2 is rotatable through a path R about its
vertical axis Z. The cathode 2 can therefore be moved towards and away
from the workpiece (along the Z axis), its lateral position can be adjusted
(along the X and Y axes) and it can be rotated about a fixed location of the
axis Z, or a movable location of the axis Z (orbitally).
A computerised control system is provided (as shown in Figure 3) and
this is connected electrically to the cathode 2 and workpiece 1, a source of
power 10, the various drive mechanisms 7, 8, 9 for the cathode 2, a pump
11 for the electrolyte, . and sensors, namely an electrolyte pressure

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sensor 12, a gap sensor 13 and a cathode bottom-dead-centre sensor 14.
The control system has input controls 15 whereby operational
parameters can be adjusted and pre-set as discussed hereinafter.
The control system incorporates microprocessor logic boards 16, a
5 power supply 17 connected to the source of power 10 and which produces
power outputs for supply to the various powered components, and pulse
and phase generator devices 18, 19.
In use, operation is as follows:
In a set up mode, the motor 8 is operated to cause the cam to rotate
10 to bottom-dead-centre, i.e. the lowermost position of the cathode 2, as
detected by the sensor 14. This sensor may comprise a magnetic switch
operated by a steel projection on the cam, or it may comprise a different
opticai' or mechanical device.
In this bottom-dead-centre position a set up voltage is applied
15 between the cathode and the workpiece and this is monitored as the
cathode 2 is advanced towards the workpiece 1. As soon as the measured
potential difference between the cathode 2 and the workpiece 1 collapses
indicating electrical contact, the advance is arrested and the bottom position
of the cathode 2 is recorded as a reference position of the workpiece.
20 The system is then set in an operational mode and the cathode 2 is
raised above the workpiece reference position to define a predetermined or
pre-seiected gap between the cathode 2 and the workpiece 1.

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The bottom-dead-centre position is also recorded as a pulse reference position which is utilised by the phase generator 19 and pulse generator 18. That is, when the cam is at bottom-dead-centre a pulse is generated from the sensor 14 which is used by the phase generator 19 to initiate various operations, as discussed below which are thereby locked in phase with the low frequency oscillating positioning of the cathode 2.
The cam is of variable lift {amplitude} and the drive motor 8 can be adjusted to vary the drive speed of the cam and hence the frequency of oscillation of the cathode 2. These parameters are pre-adjusted to values
which are maintained constant throughout a particular machining process. The frequency of oscillation of the cathode 2 will be typically about 50Hz arid, being driven by the rotating cam, will be of sine wave form.
During the normal operation mode, the electrolyte is pumped under pressure between the cathode 2 and workpiece 1 and the pump 11 is controlled, in relation to the pressure detected with the sensor 12, to maintain a constant pressure at a pre-selected value. If desired air can also be pumped into the electrolyte at the same pressure and this increases the machine's ability to work on larger surface areas.
The DC current from the power supply 14 fed to the cathode 2 and
the workpiece 1 varies' sinusoidally. That is, a pulse of current, or more preferably a package or short train of pulses having a high frequency of interruption, is generated with the shape of the positive half of a sine wave,.

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and this is synchronised with the bottom-dead-centre position of the
cathode 2, as determined by the phase generator 19. The synchronism may
be such that the pulse is precisely in phase with the bottom-dead-centre
position although alternatively it may lag or lead slightly this position {a
5 negative or positive phase value which can be pre-set as desired).
In addition to the low frequency oscillation, the. cathode 2 is
subjected to the higher frequency oscillation at a supersonic frequency
(ultrasonic), say in the range 20 to 60KHz. The actual frequency depends
on the length of the cathode 2 and is preferably tuned to obtain optimum
10 resonance.
The ultrasonic vibration may be applied as a continuous vibration or
for intermittent periods in-phase with the main low frequency vibration of
the cathode 2.
The magnitude of the impulse current applied is monitored and
15 automatically controlled by measuring the voltage between the cathode 2
and the workpiece 1. A voltage is. pre-computed in accordance with
conditions and requirements and the impedance of the power supply 4 is
adjusted so as to achieve the required voltage and consequently the
machining current." Higher machining currents give higher rates of
20 machining.
The impedance between the cathode 2 and the workpiece-1 can
change during machining e.g. due to change in workpiece surface area, and

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the power supply impedance is automatically adjusted to compensate for
this and thereby maintain the voltage constant.
The cathode 2 is advanced towards the workpiece 1 and this may be
set for progression at a constant velocity equal to the mean speed of anodic
dissolution over a period, with servocontrpl. The servocontrol is determined
by monitoring the rising and falling edges of the current pulses to assess the
machining conditions. If the machining conditions are good and material is
being removed readily from the workpiece, a control pulse is transmitted to
a. servo amplifier 20 such as to cause the cathode 2 to advance. If
machining conditions are unsuitable for further progression no pulse is given
to the servo amplifier 20 and the cathode 2 is not advanced.
The duration or extent of machining is determined in relation to the
known reference starting position of the workpiece determined as
mentioned above, and the desired depth of machining.
In the event that the cathode 2 approaches the workpiece 1 too
closely at any point to the extent that there is a risk of contact this will
initially be detected by contact between the cathode 2 and workpiece 1
occurring for a very short period of time due to the movement of the
cathode 2 at ultrasonic frequency imposed on the low frequency vibration
and advancement of the cathode. Any such contact causes a momentary
short circuit which triggers a short circuit monitoring device 21 which
automatically takes appropriate remedial action such as lifting of the

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cathode 2 and/or disconnection of power. The extremely short duration of
the short circuit limits the possibility of damage.
The normal working gap between the cathode 2 and the workpiece 1
i.e. the gap at the bottom-dead-centre position is preselected \n accordance
with requirements and is pre-set in relation to the above mentioned initial
bottom reference position, and is then maintained by control of the
advancement of the cathode by monitoring the voltage drop (particularly a
high-frequency component of voltage drop) and/or current characteristics
across the gap and/or by measuring the actual size of the gap using the gap
sensor 13. An acoustic sensor responsive to an acoustic signal generated
within the gap by the ultrasonic vibration can be used.
The gap requirement can be pre-set and varied as desired. A larger
gap may be appropriate in some cases whereas a very small gap may be
desirable in the case where sharp machining of fine detail \s required.
With the procedure described above an operator can vary and
preselect different parameters to meet the requirements of a particular
application and this can be done by accessing data in a stored database.
Provision may be. made for accessing the database during machining so that
parameters can be changed during erosion. This allows for high stock
-removal at the start of a cycie and a high quality surface finish at the end
of a cycle. The change in machining parameters can be programmed then
implemented automatically.

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The axes of movement of the cathode 2 may be in closed loop control
at all times, their position being fed back by optical encoders. The average
feed rate and therefore machining rate can be monitored so that a statistical
analysis of progress can be made and a strategy can be implemented to
5 optimise the machining parameters.
The foregoing description is concerned with movement along the 'T
axis i.e. along the vertical axis of the cathode 2. Movement is also possible
about the mutually perpendicular X and Y axes in a horizontal plane, as well
as rotation of the cathode, appropriate drives being provided for this.
70 Rotation of the cathode facilitates machining of circular holes; Xr Y
translational movement permrts machining of large areas; and simultaneous
rotational and translational movement gives the capability of orbital
movement to give accurate profiles and parallel sides within cavities, and
simple shaped cathodes can be used to manufacture complicated shaped
15 cavities.
Figures 4 to 9 show typical waveforms for different modes of
operation.
Figure 4 shows the waveform for low frequency oscillation of the
cathode (typically .approximately 50Hz).
20 Figure 5' shows packages of current pulses which packages are
locked so as to coincide in frequency and phase with the low frequency
oscillations.

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Figures 6-9 show the high frequency (ultrasonic) vibration in relation
to four different modes of operation.
With Figure 6 the high frequency vibration is continuous and of
constant frequency and amplitude.
5 With Figure 7 the high frequency vibration is continuous but is
amplitude modulated at a low frequency which is phase-locked to the low
frequency oscillation.
With Figure 8 the ultrasonic oscillation is amplitude modulated at a
low frequency which is phase-locked to the low frequency oscillation, with
10 a different phase relationship to that of Figure 7.
With Figure 9 the ultrasonic oscillation is amplitude and frequency
modulated with both forms of modulation phase-locked to the low frequency
oscillations.
With the operating conditions of Figure 6, the continuous, constant
15 ultrasonic oscillations provide the following important functions:
give an acoustic signal when the predetermined minimum spacing between the electrodes is established;
ensure even spread of the electrolyte on the machined
surface thus eliminating any macro-defects on the surface
20 caused by jets of electrolyte;
form cavitation bubbles that partially block the surface of the cathode allowing machining of larger workpiece surfaces

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without increasing the capacity of the process current pulses;
in the case of readily passivating (oxidising) alloys, such
as titanium alloys, activate the process of electrochemical
dissolution due to capitation which mechanically destroys
5 oxide films as well as increase the current density due to a
smaller minimum spacing between the electrodes.
With the operating conditions of Figure 7 the decreased ultrasonic
vibrations at the current pulses permit high current densities at small gaps,
and the increase ultrasonic vibrations between current pulses facilitate
10 flushing away of removed material.
The operating conditions of Figure 8 are particularly suited for machining titanium alloys or steel since the increased ultrasonic vibration at the current pulse helps activate the process by removing oxide film.
The operating conditions of Figure 9 are suited to the machining of
15 large surfaces when high amplitude and frequency of ultrasonic vibrations
are required.
Operating conditions other than those shown in Figures 6-9 can be used depending on requirements and conditions.
In particular Figures 10-14 show further typical waveforms for
20 -different modes of operation.
Figure 10, like Figure 4, shows the waveform for low frequency oscillation of the cathode (typically approximately 50Hz).

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Figure 11, like Figure 5,. shows packages of current pulses which
packages are locked so as to coincide in frequency and phase with the low frequency oscillations i.e. such that each package of current pulses Is essentially centred on a negative peak of the low frequency oscillation
corresponding to the smallest gap between the electrode and workpiece. Figures 12-14, show three different possibilities for the high frequency (ultrasonic) oscillation. Instead of using a continuous ultrasonic vibration with constant amplitude envelope like Figure 6, or an amplitude-modulated continuous ultrasonic vibration like Figures 7-9, the arrangements
of Figures 12-14 show packages of ultrasonic vibration essentially centred on the negative peaks of the low frequency oscillations.
The processes described above permit accurate high quality machining with high rates of productivity. Good shaping and smoothness is readily achievable.
By. way of example, with the mode of operation of Figure 6, the spacing between the cathode and the workpiece can be reduced down to exceptionally small values, say of the order of 0.01 to 0.005mm, which permits machining of very sharp definition at high current density, whilst the ultrasonic energy ensures removal of oxide fifm.
As mentioned, the ultrasonic energy also advantageously provides protection against damage by short circuit currents. When contact first takes place the duration of this will be no more than one half cycle of the

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ultrasonic frequency and this gives time for remedial action to be taken
before damage has occurred.
Figure 15 shows a modification to the arrangement of Figures 1
and 2.
5 A shaped cathode 22 is moved relative to a workpiece 23,. and is
vibrated and supplied with current in like manner to the arrangement of
Figures 1 and 2.
However, in order to improve the surface machining quality, reduce
roughness, remove the oxide film and activate the electrochemical
10 dissolution process, further features are incorporated as follows.
The cathode 22 and the surface of the workpiece 23 are, like the
arrangement of Figures 1 and 2, enclosed within a vessel or shroud 24, and
through this electrolyte can be pumped from an inlet 25 to an outlet 26.
An additional aqueous medium is injected through an auxiliary inlet
15. 27 into the electrolyte flow immediately adjacent to the gap between the
cathode and workpiece.
This additional medium may be a concentrated acid or alkali which
significantly changes the pH of the electrolyte in the working area.
The additional medium may be an electrolyte with high concentration
20 of anions to activate the electrochemical dissolution.
The additional medium may be a concentrated electrolyte (acid,-alkali
or salt solution) containing up to 30% of abrasive particles.

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The combination of pulsed high power electric current and ultrasonic
with chemical and/or abrasive action can give desired machining in a shod
period of time.
The additional medium will depend on the workpiece material.
5 Chemical and abrasive action is particularly effective for machining parts
made from titanium alloys as well as parts from tungsten or tungsten
carbide. Suitable acids are hydrochloric and sulphuric acid. Suitable alkalis
particularly for machining tungsten are sodium and potassium hydroxide.
Bromide, iodide, chloride, nitrate ions can be used as salt solution. Abrasive
10 particles may be in the size range 5-50//.
It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to
be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described
by way of example only.
Thus, for example, whilst reference has been made throughout to
15 movement of the cathode, where appropriate some or ail of the movements
may be applied additionally or alternatively to the workpiece.

We Claim:
1. An electrochemical machining method wherein a cathode is advanced towards an anodic workpiece in the presence of an electrolyte and a current is passed between the cathode and the workpiece through the electrolyte so as to cause material to be removed electrolytically from the surface of the material wherein vibratory movement is imposed on the cathode so as to cause the gap between the cathode and the workpiece to vary, and the current is also varied characterized in that the vibratory movement comprises main and secondary vibrations.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main vibration is a periodic oscillation of 1 to 100 Hz.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the periodic oscillation is a sine wave oscillation.
4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the periodic oscillation is applied along the direction of advancement of the cathode towards the workpiece.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the current is varied on a periodic basis matched to the main vibration.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the current is varied at a frequency the same as that of the main vibration such that current peaks or pulses are delivered at or close to positions in the oscillatory cycle of the cathode corresponding to the smallest gap or nearest positioning of the cathode and workpiece.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the current is varied with a fixed phase relationship relative to the main vibration.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary vibration is of a higher frequency than the main vibration.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the secondary vibration is an ultrasonic oscillation.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation has a frequency in the range 10-60 KHz.
11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary vibration is applied to the cathode simultaneously with the main vibration.
12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary vibration is applied along the direction of advancement of the cathode towards the workpiece.
13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary vibration is applied to the cathode continuously with constant regular characteristics.
14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary vibration is of varying characteristics.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the secondary vibration is amplitude modulated.

16. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the secondary vibration is applied as packages of pulses.
17. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary vibration is tuned to the cathodes mechanical properties to give resonance.

18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a control system is provided which controls advancement of the cathode as materia] is removed from the workpiece surface so as to maintain a desired cathode/workpiece gap.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the control system controls advancement in relation to a determined starting reference position so as to achieve a desired depth of machining in the workpiece.
20. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrolyte is caused to flow between the cathode and workpiece.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electrolyte is supplemented by an injected aqueous medium containing at least one substance selected from acids, alkalis, abrasive particles and salts.
22. A machine for use in performing the method described above comprising a cathode support, a workpiece support, means for supplying electrolyte between the cathode and workpiece, means for supplying current to the cathode and the workpiece, means for advancing the cathode towards the workpiece, means for applying vibratory movement comprising main and secondary vibrations to the cathode to vary the gap between the cathode and the workpiece, and means for varying the current supplied to the cathode and the workpiece.
23. A machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein provision is made for movement in one or more axes transversely to the direction of advancement and/or rotation of the cathode about the direction of advancement.
Dated this 29th day of December, 2005.