Arc deburring of electrochemical cell electrodes

摘要

Method and apparatus for deburring conductive articles such as electrochemical cell electrodes prior to their assembly into completed cells. An electrode substrate is passed in a continuous motion between two discharge elements between which a high voltage potential is produced sufficient to arc a gap between the discharge elements and burrs on the edges of the substrate. A shaped discharge surface is provided to ensure arcing to burrs having a variety of orientations. The current and frequency of the power supply providing the arcing current are selected and controlled to distribute the deburring energy over the length of the substrate. By so doing, deburring is accomplished with minimized damage to the substrate and without producing additional burrs. Preferably, the frequency of the discharge current at least matches the frequency at which burrs pass the discharge elements.