A METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF FILMS FROM METAL SURFACES USING ELECTROLYSIS AND CAVITATION ACTION

摘要

To remove films, such as oxides and lubricants, from a metal substrate (22),mechanical or thermal stress is first applied to the films so as to rupturethe film to the substrate (22). The substrate (22) is then moved through anelectrolysis cell (30) having one or more electrode elements of one electricalpolarity spaced from the moving substrate (22) defining another electrodeelement with the opposite polarity. An electrical signal is applied to theelectrodes, and the electrical signal flows down to the metal substrate (22),resulting in an etching or pitting of the surface of the metal substrate (22).Following the electrolysis cell (30), the moving substrate (22) is immersed ina cavitation fluid. Energy, either sonic or ultrasonic, is generated andfocused onto the moving substrate (22) so that cavitation bubbles are formedin the pitted portions of the metal substrate (22) beneath the film. When thecavitation bubbles expand and collapse, the resulting cavitational shock waveand the microjet action produce a lifting effect on the film relative to themetal substrate (22).