Extrude Hone Introduces a New Electrolytic Technology -- 'COOLpulse'

Extrude Hone’s latest electrochemical process advancement represents an innovation that will revolutionize electrochemical (EC) finishing. The new COOLpulse electrolytic technology performs five key functions -- deburrs, polishes, stress relieves, cleans and passivates (i.e., free-iron particle removal) -- all in one finishing process.

(PRWEB) August 12, 2006 -- With a company history steeped in innovation, Extrude Hone continues to dedicate its resources to furthering advancements in surface finishing technologies. Extrude Hone’s latest electrochemical process advancement represents an innovation that will revolutionize electrochemical (EC) finishing. The new COOLpulse electrolytic technology performs five key functions -- deburrs, polishes, stress relieves, cleans and passivates (i.e., free-iron particle removal) -- all in one finishing process.

Best of all, COOLpulse is a highly cost-effective finishing solution for both high-volume and low-volume production. It produces higher quality and more precise results without the need of additional processing or close-tolerance conformal tooling. Along with its exceptional precision and cleanliness capabilities, the COOLpulse is also geared more toward smaller, narrow workpieces, rather than large panels, making it an ideal finishing process for the medical, scientific, semi-conductor and automotive industries.

The new COOLpulse process should not be confused with conventional electropolishing (EP). The COOLpulse process is similar to EP only in that both processes involve immersing workpiece components in a bath and applying a low voltage DC charge. The other characteristics of COOLpulse are entirely distinctive.

The COOLpulse features a single, patented electrolyte that is able to treat many metals with a change only to the electrical characteristics. The liquid bath used in the COOLpulse process is a chilled, non-fuming, odorless and near neutral solution, rendering it very safe for handling. The solution possesses high electrical resistance, enabling high selectivity and high discrimination for the removal of burrs and peaks on surfaces. While COOLpulse is optimized for edge effect, substantial surface and cleanliness improvements are a natural by-product of the process. In fact, it produces bright, specular, or mirror-like, finishes on stainless steel and bright to matte finishes on aluminum.

The COOLpulse solution rarely, if ever, requires changing, only topped off as it retains its effectiveness during use. The COOLpulse process re-circulates the solution through filters to extract any metal hydroxides to renew it. As a result, manufacturers do not incur substantial costs for additional solution or for waste disposal.

According to Jim Koroskenyi, Managing Director of Extrude Hone’s Electrochemical Business Unit, COOLpulse signifies an exciting time in the field of electrochemical processing. “The new COOLpulse process takes a significant step forward in electrochemical processing without pricing it out of reach for most manufacturers, particularly those with low-volume production,” explains Koroskenyi. “COOLpulse is a highly reliable and stable process that achieves edge and surface finishing and cleanliness results well-beyond those attainable through existing electrochemical processes.”

IMTS attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #7100 to learn more about Extrude Hone’s COOLpulse process and the entire electrochemical line of machines, as well as Extrude Hone’s other surface finishing and deburring technologies.

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