Electrolytic deburring is a technology that quickly removes micro-burrs—such as those found in tolerance holes or cross holes—that are difficult to eliminate with conventional tools. By passing an electric current through an electrolyte solution, the process can be completed in about 20 seconds and is compatible with iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. Its main strength is the ability to reliably remove burrs without leaving any residue, making it suitable for a wide range of workpieces, from small to large components.

Additionally, the system offers high customizability, allowing jigs and equipment specifications to be optimized according to material and application requirements. As a result, it is attracting attention as a processing method that enhances reproducibility in mass-production environments.

With the introduction of Acritech’s electrolytic deburring machine—utilizing the electrolytic processing method—at Asia Maintenance (AMA), Thailand now has a system that provides end-to-end support, from sample testing to after-sales maintenance. This represents a new opportunity for Thailand’s manufacturing industry, offering an additional option for process improvement and workforce reduction.

Acritech: A Leading Company with Expertise in Electrolytic and Electrical Discharge Processing

Acritech is a Japanese manufacturer with many years of experience in electrolytic and electrical discharge processing. The company is highly regarded for its electrolytic removal technologies for complex-shaped components and is known for delivering stable reproducibility and high machining accuracy. Acritech’s electrolytic deburring machines integrate optimized control of the electrolyte, power supply, and jig design, enhancing their suitability for mass-production lines. With extensive experience in deburring difficult-to-machine components, the company has a strong track record in precision-demanding fields—such as automotive parts, heavy machinery, marine engines, and semiconductors—and continues to expand its business by leveraging its capability to handle challenging workpieces.

What Is “Electrolytic” Deburring?

Q. What is electrolytic deburring?
A. It is a machining method in which an electric current is applied to metal, causing an electrochemical reaction that selectively removes only the burrs. Unlike tool-based removal methods, this approach can uniformly reach complex geometries, tiny cross holes, and multiple locations simultaneously.

Q. What types of burrs is it suitable for?
A. It is particularly effective at removing micro-burrs on machined parts, as well as burrs inside cross holes, deep holes, and other areas that are inaccessible to hand tools or conventional tools.

Q. Does it really produce no secondary burrs?
A. Because burrs are removed through an electrochemical process, this method is inherently incapable of generating secondary burrs. This is a major advantage, as it ensures more uniform finishes and improves inspection pass rates.

What Sets Acritech’s Electrolytic Deburring Machines Apart?

■ A Structure Optimized for Deburring Cross Holes
Acritech’s equipment employs a method that selectively removes only fine metal protrusions. It is specifically designed to achieve high removal performance in challenging areas, such as cross holes. By combining optimized jig design with controlled processing current settings, the system ensures stable quality and consistent results even after repeated processing.

■ A Mechanism That Prevents the Formation of Secondary Burrs
In conventional deburring with cutting tools or brushes, residual material or raised edges created during removal often result in secondary burrs. In contrast, the electrolytic method removes the burrs themselves through electrolysis, making the formation of secondary burrs structurally impossible. This reduces the workload in both deburring and inspection processes and helps lower the rate of inspection defects.

■ Shorter Processing Time and Reduced Operator Dependence
Manual deburring has traditionally been prone to quality variations due to differences in operator skill. The electrolytic method allows results to be consistently reproduced through controlled processing parameters, eliminating reliance on individual operators. In some cases, the treatment can be completed in just a few seconds, making the system highly suitable for integration into mass-production lines.

▲ Before and after electrolytic deburring

Background of Asia Maintenance’s Demo Machine Installation in Thailand

Asia Maintenance, a group company of the trading firm IDAKA, is an engineering company specializing in machine maintenance and overhauls. In response to a growing number of inquiries from manufacturers in Thailand—such as requests to test higher-precision deburring, solve burr-residue issues, or reduce manpower and labor—the company decided to install Acritech’s electrolytic deburring machine at its own facility.

▲ Electrolytic deburring machine test unit at AMA

AMA has established a comprehensive one-stop support system—from sample testing and installation support to maintenance—designed to ease the workload for local users.

Asia Maintenance (AMA) is the only company in Thailand with an actual Acritech electrolytic deburring machine available for on-site testing. Being able to conduct real-machine trials within Thailand significantly lowers the barrier to system implementation. AMA also provides after-sales maintenance support, enabling companies in Thailand to adopt the system with confidence.

▲ From left: Mr. Kinoshita and Mr. Ohshima of Acritech

Acritech Corporation
Akihiko Ohshima
General Manager, Machine Tools Division

Yusuke Kinoshita
Assistant Manager, Sales & Operations Group, Machine Tools Division

If you are interested in testing electrolytic deburring or are considering implementing the system, please feel free to contact Asia Maintenance.