The ECM process needs to compete with these and it has
advantages over some of the processes in that there is no tool
wear, material hardness is not an issue. The quality of the
surface finish that can be achieved is very high; there is no recast
layer—which can be obtained from EDM and laser
machining. However there are issues such as the electrolyte
that is used which can lead to oxidation of the part if it is not
protected or cleaned immediately after processing, the stability
of the process which can lead to poor quality, and the endusers
knowledge of the technology.