Recent advances and challenges in electroplastic manufacturing processing of metals

Abstract

Electroplastic manufacturing processing (EPMP) is a relatively new metal-forming process that is energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and versatile. In particular, it can be used to manufacture metals or alloys that are difficult to process by conventional manufacturing protocols. There have been significant advances in EPMP in the past decade, and this review summarizes our current state of understanding and describes recent developments in EPMP. Particular emphasis is placed on describing the mechanisms responsible for the electroplastic effect and microstructure evolution as well as major advances in EPMP of metals. Challenges facing theoretical and experimental investigations are also discussed.