DE102022110154A1 - Method for producing a component with an integrated cathode for the electrochemical post-processing process and removing the cathode from the component - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a manufacturing method of a component (2) with at least one channel (4) extending into the component (2). The method comprises a step A: producing an arrangement (1) comprising the component (2) and at least one cathode (3) extending into the channel (4) of the component (2), in additive manufacturing, step B electrochemical post-processing of the component (2) by generating a closed circuit via the component (2) as an anode and the cathode (3) by means of an electrolyte medium, preferably by positioning the arrangement (1) in an electrolyte immersion bath and/or by an Electrolyte flushing of the channel (4), and step C of removing the cathode (3) from the channel (4).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method for producing a component with an integrated cathode for the electrochemical post-processing process and removal of the cathode from the component.

Electrochemical post-processing processes have proven to be effective when processing component surfaces. These processes can be used on a wide range of components and materials. An example of one of these processes is electropolishing. Electropolishing is an electrochemical treatment that results in the leveling, shining, passivation and surface refinement of a metallic surface that is originally dull and rough.

Electropolishing is an abrasive manufacturing process. Metal is removed anodically in an electrolyte that is specially tailored to the material of the component. This means that the metallic component forms the positive pole (anode), while a cathode within the electrolyte forms the negative pole. The cathode must be brought close to the component without contact, i.e. at a distance. Electropolishing removes a thin layer of material from the component surface through anodic dissolution without mechanical or thermal stress on the parts. The resulting electrochemical process leads to a removal of the roughness peaks of the component and consequently to shiny surfaces.

Conventional post-processing processes of this type are only suitable to a limited extent for internal channels, as the cathode must interact with a surface to be processed without being hindered by the electrolyte. At the same time, it is a prerequisite for the process that there is no direct contact between cathode and anode. This makes it difficult to introduce a cathode into complex inner channel geometries of the component. It is only possible to insert cathodes into the channel up to a certain diameter and with a correspondingly simple inner channel geometry.

Description of the prior art

Processing methods for electrochemical post-processing are known in the prior art. The state of the art already provides isolated solutions to the problem of accessibility of inner channel geometries.

A method and a device for electrolytically polishing the inside of a recess in a component is, for example, from DE 10 2016 114 969 known.

In this method, a cathode adapted to the inside of the recess of the workpiece is introduced into the recess and the inside of the recess is polished using an electrolyte. In order to prevent the cathode from coming into contact with the inside of the recess, several electrically insulating spacers are attached to the cathode.

However, the processing method described above has some disadvantages: The recess is merely a conical depression into which the cathode is inserted. The recess must not have any undercuts or complex geometries, since the cathode cannot be inserted further into the recess. In addition, the necessary insulating spacers represent resistance for the electrochemical process and can reduce the polishing effect. In addition, spacers lead to inhomogeneous processing of the component surface, as the polishing process can better reach areas without spacers.

Another method for electrolytically polishing the internal geometries of a component is from US 10,413,983 known, wherein a conductive wire with insulation is passed through a passage of a component. The wire is flexible to ensure that undercuts in the component can also be reached.

The disadvantage here is that spacers are also required here, which, as mentioned above, lead to inhomogeneity and a reduction in the polishing effect. In addition, when the wire is removed, friction between the spacers and the polished surface can also cause a reduction in the surface structure, such as scratching.

The present invention is based on the object of solving the problems known from the prior art and of providing a manufacturing method for a component with electrochemical post-processing, which delivers a homogeneous and reliable polishing result in a complex internal geometry of the component.

To solve the problem defined above, the present invention discloses the manufacturing method according to claim 1. The method according to the invention is used to produce a component with at least one channel extending into the component and contains the following steps: A step A of producing an arrangement voltage, comprising the component and at least one cathode extending into the channel of the component, in additive manufacturing, a step B of the electrochemical post-processing of the component by generating a closed circuit via the component as an anode and the cathode, by means of an electrolyte medium, preferably by positioning the arrangement in an electrolyte immersion bath and / or by flushing the channel with electrolyte and a step C of removing the cathode from the channel.

This has the advantage that the channel and the cathode required for electropolishing this channel can be formed at the same time. By building structures layer by layer using additive manufacturing, the channel of the component and the cathode can be manufactured layer by layer and thus the cathode can be integrated into the most complex geometry of the channel. This allows electropolishing to be carried out in the channel with subsequent removal of the cathode from the channel. This leads to a reliable polishing result with high surface quality within the channel. Additive manufacturing involves the layer-by-layer production of the component based on a 3D CAD model of the component. A layer of material made from an unsolidified, e.g. powder or resinous starting material is solidified and then the next layer of material is applied on top and solidified until a complete component is created according to the 3D CAD model. Depending on the process, the solidification takes place, for example with a laser, binder, by exposure to UV light or by melting the material. Examples of additive manufacturing processes include selective laser sintering/melting (SLS/SLM), fused deposition modeling (FDM) or fused filament fabrication (FFF), poly and multijet modeling (MJM) or 3D printing. The basis for additive manufacturing is the 3D CAD model of the component, which can be drawn using CAD software or created by scanning an existing component, for example. With additive manufacturing, components can be made from electrically conductive materials such as metal. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

It can be advantageous if the cathode and the component are manufactured using 3D printing. This means that the process can be used on common 3D printers.

It may prove useful if the cathode is held in position within the channel in step B without contact with the component, preferably with a distance between the cathode and the component, the distance preferably being the same at least in several sections of the channel. The term “contact-free” is to be understood in the context of the invention to mean that in step B, at least within the channel, there is no contact between the cathode and the component, not even via spacers, support structures or the like, so that there is a contact between the cathode and the component within the channel completely free or air-filled annular space remains, which extends over the entire length of the channel, at least as far as the cathode extends into the channel. The cathode must not have any electrically conductive contact with the component during the electrochemical post-processing process, even outside the channel. Due to the guaranteed distance between the anode (component) and cathode, proper post-processing by electropolishing can take place without the anode and cathode touching each other and a short circuit occurring. Due to the at least partially equal distance between the cathode and the component, a homogeneous polishing result can be achieved since the cathode removes the metal evenly. This homogeneous polishing result is not affected by spacers or support structures, since the inner wall of the component that defines the channel is completely exposed.

It may be useful if the arrangement is manufactured in one piece in step A and the cathode is separated from the component before step B, preferably the cathode is manufactured in step A with a support structure in contact with the component, which is broken before step B by means of mechanical breaking, is structurally removed by sound or corrosive processes. This prevents the cathode from shaking during the additive manufacturing process.

It may prove to be advantageous if the arrangement is manufactured in step A and/or positioned in step B in such a way that the cathode protrudes from at least one mouth of the channel over the component. This means that the cathode can be held from outside the component without the need for additional spacers. Shaking and touching of the cathode with the component is excluded. Ideally, the channel is designed as a passage that penetrates the component, with the cathode protruding completely beyond the two ends or mouths of the channel. The cathode can be clamped on both sides, which increases the stability of the arrangement. However, it is also possible for a cathode to only be clamped on one side (cantilever principle). This applies in particular to cathodes that extend into a channel that ends in the component, but is also possible for cathodes that extend beyond the component in a channel that penetrates the component.

It can be useful if the channel has at least one linear discontinuity, preferably at least one undercut and/or at least one bend and/or at least one curvature and/or at least one branch. Components with complex internal geometry are therefore also suitable for electrochemical post-processing such as electropolishing using the method according to the invention. In addition, the cathode can be subsequently transported out through the reversal points within the channel.

It may be practical if the component is manufactured using a multi-part manufacturing structure with at least two mechanically coupled and electrically decoupled sections, the arrangement being manufactured in step A on the multi-part manufacturing structure or being connected to such a multi-part manufacturing structure to carry out step B , so that the component is connected to one of the sections and the cathode is connected to another of the sections to hold the component and the cathode in position without contact. This ensures a rigid fixation of the component with the cathode and at the same time their consistent electrical separation.

It can prove to be advantageous if the at least two sections of the multi-part manufacturing structure are electrically insulated from one another by an insulating layer, preferably a plastic layer, and/or are mechanically connected by at least one non-conductive, detachable fastening, in particular a plastic screw. This ensures electrical isolation between the two sections, even if the sections are made of conductive material. The electrical separation of cathode and component (anode) necessary for electrical post-processing is guaranteed.

It may prove to be useful if at least one of the sections of the multi-part manufacturing structure forms a receptacle for another of the sections and/or that at least one of the sections of the multi-part manufacturing structure has at least one fastening section, in particular a drill hole for fastening to an additive manufacturing machine, for example a 3D printer. This ensures a positive arrangement of the sections to one another and ensures that the sections are attached to the additive manufacturing machine in a non-slip manner.

It can prove to be advantageous if the cathode is held in step B by at least one electrically insulating holding member within the channel at a distance from the component, the holding member preferably being arranged at an opening of the channel. The electrically insulating holding member can avoid direct contact between the component and the cathode, so that the inner wall of the channel remains as accessible as possible for electrochemical post-processing.

It may be practical if each retaining member seals the channel in a fluid-tight manner and is preferably shaped as an elastic plug. A fluid-tight holding member creates a sealed interior that can be filled with electrolyte medium. This means that post-processing can only be carried out on the inner wall of the channel. With this design, a possible electrolyte exchange in the channel must be ensured.

It can be advantageous if the electrolyte medium is introduced into the channel and/or removed from the channel through at least one holding member and/or the cathode. The electrolyte medium can be pumped into the channel in particular through connections provided in the plug. Alternatively or additionally, electrolyte is fed into the channel via the cathode. For this purpose, the cathode should be hollow on the inside and have connection options. The electrolyte medium can emerge from the cathode through openings provided into the channel.

However, it can also be useful if the cathode is manufactured as a lattice structure, preferably with at least one structural weak point on at least one linear discontinuity of the channel, the cathode preferably being designed with a structure, in particular a porous structure, or a predetermined breaking point. Such a cathode can be easily broken open in step C at the weak points or in its entirety. The lattice structure can be subsequently dissolved using caustic liquids. The fragments enable the cathode to be easily removed from the channel with complex channel geometry.

It may be convenient if the cathode is structurally disintegrated or broken in Step C by mechanical fracturing, sonication, or caustic processes so that the cathode can be removed from the channel. This enables the cathode to be removed from the component without leaving any residue.

Further preferred developments of the invention result from combinations of the features that are disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures.

Short description of the characters

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer additiv gefertigten Anordnung, umfassend ein Bauteil mit einer Kathode, die durch einen das Bauteil durchdringenden Kanal verläuft.
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Anordnung aus 1, die auf einer mehrteiligen Fertigungsstruktur mit zwei mechanisch gekoppelten und elektrisch entkoppelten Abschnitten in Gestalt einer Hauptbauplatte und einer Nebenbauplatte positioniert ist.
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kathode mit strukturellen Schwachstellen.
• 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kathode mit einer Gitterstruktur aus Gittergeflecht.
• 5 eine Schnittansicht durch eine Anordnung aus Bauteil und Kathode, wobei das Bauteil einen durchgehenden Kanal aufweist und die Kathode mittels endseitigen Stopfen als Haltegliedern und Stützstrukturen im Abstand von der Innenwand des Kanals gehalten wird.

Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of an additively manufactured arrangement, comprising a component with a cathode that runs through a channel penetrating the component.
• 2 a perspective view of the arrangement 1 , which is positioned on a multi-part manufacturing structure with two mechanically coupled and electrically decoupled sections in the form of a main building board and a secondary building board.
• 3 a perspective view of a cathode with structural weak points.
• 4 a perspective view of a cathode with a lattice structure made of mesh.
• 5 a sectional view through an arrangement of component and cathode, wherein the component has a continuous channel and the cathode is held at a distance from the inner wall of the channel by means of end plugs as holding members and support structures.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

1 shows a first embodiment of an arrangement 1 manufactured additively in step A of the method according to the invention, consisting of a (metallic) component 2 in the form of a block and a cathode 3. The cathode 3 extends through a channel 4 which runs through the component 2. The cathode 3 protrudes from the component 2 on two sides through openings 4a, 4b of the channel 4. The component 2 and the cathode 3 are positioned in the area of the channel 4 without contact with one another, so that the cathode 3 and the component 2 are not in contact.

Channel 4 has linear discontinuities such as undercuts H or kinks K. In addition, the channel 4 has a curvature. The channel 4 can also have an additional branch (not shown). The cathode 3 is shaped corresponding to the channel 4, so that the cathode 3 is spaced from the component 2 within the channel 4. There is a distance D between the cathode 3 and the component 2, so that there is an air-filled annular space between the cathode 3 and the component 2 over the entire length of the channel 4. This air-filled annular space is filled with metal powder (approx. 10-45 µm) immediately after the 3D printing process. This metal powder can be removed during the removal of the component 2 from the 3D printer by rotating the component 2 or blowing it out. The distance D is the same at least in several sections of the channel 4. The component 2 can contain several channels 4. A corresponding cathode 3 can be arranged in each of these channels 4.

The arrangement 1 consisting of component 2 and cathode 3 is produced in step A of the method according to the invention according to a 3D model using additive manufacturing, for example 3D printing. Such production creates the component 2 and the cathode 3 layer by layer by solidifying an initially unsolidified material, starting at the standing level of the component 2.

2 shows a perspective view of the arrangement 1 according to 1 , wherein the component 2 and the cathode 3 are positioned on a multi-part manufacturing structure 5 with two mechanically coupled and electrically decoupled sections in the form of a main building board 5 and a secondary building board 6. The main building board 5 can have any suitable shape. The main plate 5 forms the base or the substrate for the additive manufacturing of the component 2 in step A, so that the component 2 is connected to the main building plate 5 after the additive manufacturing has been completed. The main plate 5 has several fastening sections 5b for fastening to an additive manufacturing machine, for example a 3D printer, which enable the multi-part manufacturing structure 5 to be fixed in a precisely positioned and reproducible manner on the additive manufacturing machine. The fastening sections 5b are, for example, drill holes. The component 2 is arranged on the main building board 5.

The ancillary panel 6 here is a plate-shaped second section 6, but can also have any other suitable shape. In step A, the secondary building board 6 serves as the base or the substrate for the additive manufacturing of the cathode 2, so that the cathode 3 is connected to the secondary building board 6 after the additive manufacturing has been completed. The cathode 3 is then arranged on the secondary board 6. Starting at a base point F, the cathode 3 extends perpendicular to the auxiliary building plate 6.

The main building board 5 has a receptacle 5a which is shaped in such a way that it can accommodate the secondary building board 6. An insulation layer 7 is arranged between the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6, which electrically decouples or insulates the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6 from one another. The insulation layer 7 is a layer made of plastic, but can also be a layer or a component made of another non-conductive material that electrically decouples or insulates the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6 from one another. The main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6 are fastened or mechanically coupled to one another with the insulation layer 7 in between. Non-conductive, releasable fasteners, for example plastic screws 8, mechanically connect the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6 in a releasable manner.

The main building board 5, the secondary building board 6 and the insulation layer 7 thus form the multi-part manufacturing structure with two mechanically coupled and electrically decoupled sections 5, 6. The horizontal surface of the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6 close to one another at the same height when fastened to one another so that a flat production level is created. There is a gap S between the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6 to ensure insulation from each other. The layer structure for additive manufacturing of the component 2 begins on the ideally flush surfaces of the main building board 5 and the secondary building board 6.

The arrangement 1 consisting of component 2 and cathode 3 is manufactured on the multi-part manufacturing structure, so that the component 2 is connected to the main building board 5 and the cathode 3 is connected to the secondary building board 6. The manufacturing structure serves to hold the component 2 and the cathode 3 in position without contact. The arrangement 1 consisting of component 2 and cathode 3 can also be manufactured separately and only connected to the multi-part manufacturing structure to carry out step B of the method according to the invention.

3 shows a perspective view of a cathode 3 with structural weak points 9, 10. The structural weak points 9, 10 are porous structures 9 or predetermined breaking points 10. Furthermore, the cathode 3 has break points 12. The structural weak points 9, 10 can coincide with the break points 12. The structural weak points serve to be broken open by mechanical breaking or sound. Depending on the design of the cathode 3 (thickness/geometry), different frequencies can be used for breaking up.

By separating the cathode 3 into several small units, which are preferably smaller than the (smallest) diameter of the channel 4, the cathode 3 or its fragments or residues can be more easily removed from the channel 4 in step C of the method according to the invention. Optionally, the cathode 3 can also be completely destroyed and dissolved after carrying out step B of the method according to the invention, since the cathode 3 is then no longer needed.

4 shows a perspective view of a cathode 3, which is constructed from a grid structure 11. Such a lattice structure is suitable for being dissolved by means of sound or by caustic processes/procedures.

In summary, the method according to the invention comprises producing an arrangement 1 shown above, comprising the component 2 and at least one cathode 3 extending into the channel 4 of the component 2, by means of additive manufacturing (step A). The cathode 3 and the component 2 can be manufactured at the same time. The cathode 3 is manufactured within the channel 4 without permanent contact with the component 2. This can be achieved, for example, by leaving the entire gap between the component 2 and the cathode 3 in the area of the channel 4 unsolidified in step A of the method according to the invention. When the unsolidified starting material is removed from the space between the component 2 and the cathode 3 after completion of step A of the method according to the invention, an air-filled annular space is created which extends over the entire length of the channel 4, at least as far as the cathode 3 extends extends into channel 4. The manufactured arrangement 1 can be removed in its entirety with the manufacturing structure from the manufacturing location, so that the contact-free positioning between the component 2 and the cathode 3 is maintained even after the unsolidified starting material has been removed.

The arrangement 1, together with the insulating manufacturing structure, is then placed in an electrolyte immersion bath for electrochemical post-processing. During the electrochemical post-processing of the component 2 in step B of the method according to the invention, the surface of the component 2 around the cathode is polished by generating a closed circuit via the component 2 as anode and the cathode 3. The cathode 3 is held in position within the channel 4 without contact with the component 2. The distance D remains between the cathode 3 and the component 2. The previously air-filled annular space between the cathode 3 and the component 2 is completely filled with the electrolyte medium when the arrangement 1 is introduced into the electrolyte immersion bath. As a result, the entire inner wall of the component 2 forming the channel 4 is completely and completely electrochemically reworked.

The cathode 3 is then structurally loosened or divided in step C of the method according to the invention, in particular by means of mechanical breaking, sound or caustic processes, and removed from the channel 4.

5 shows a second embodiment of an arrangement 1 additively manufactured in step A of the method according to the invention, consisting of a (metallic) component 2 in the form of a block and a cathode 3 in a sectional view. 5 shows in a sectional view many features of the arrangement 1 that were already described in the first embodiment. For identical characteristics Identical reference numerals are used to avoid repeated description. 5 shows the arrangement 1 in a state after production in step A and before post-processing in step B. 5 shows insulating holding members 13 which hold the cathode 3 at the mouths 4a, 4b of the channel 4. The holding members 13 are designed here as truncated cone-shaped plugs, but can take any shape in order to hold the cathode 4 at the mouths 4a, 4b. The holding members 13 hold the cathode 3 in such a way that it is accessible for the electrochemical post-processing process.

The holding members 13 are preferably elastically shaped and are inserted into the mouths 4a, 4b of the channel 4 by means of a positive fit in order to seal the interior of the channel 4. At least one holding member 13 has an inlet valve (not shown) so that an electrolyte medium can be introduced into the sealed channel 4. Alternatively or additionally, the electrolyte medium can be introduced into the channel 4 through the cathode 3 or removed from it. The electrochemical post-processing of the component 2 is therefore only possible on the inner wall of the channel 4, without subjecting the entire arrangement 1 to an immersion bath.

For the second embodiment, the component 2 and the cathode 3 can be manufactured in one piece. Manufacturing on structural panels that are isolated from one another, as in the first embodiment, can be avoided. In order to guarantee a targeted positioning of the cathode 3 in the channel 4, the cathode 3 is manufactured into the channel 4 using support structures 14. 5 shows three pairs of support structures 14, which hold the cathode 3 at a distance D from the inner wall of the channel 4. These support structures 14 are a specially designed minimal support to hold and position the cathode 3 during manufacturing.

Thus, in step A, the cathode 3 is manufactured in one piece with the support structure 14 designed on the channel 4 in contact with the component 2. The support structures are installed before step B (state shown in 5 ) structurally dissolved or divided by means of mechanical breaking, sound or caustic processes, without removing the cathode 4. The cathode 3 is manufactured. However, before the electrochemical post-processing, the support structure 14 can be destroyed by, for example, ultrasonic action on the component 2 or the cathode 3. These are even more delicate structures than the cathode 3 itself, which only enable the possible manufacturing of the cathode 3 during the printing process. This support structure 14 for the cathode 3 is only necessary in exceptional cases and not under all circumstances.

As long as the electrochemical process is not used, contact between cathode 3 and component 2 is not a problem. Before the component 2 can be connected to an electrochemical system for post-processing, the support structures 14 must be removed. Without removing the support structures 14, electrochemical post-processing would not be possible due to a short circuit. After the support structures 14 have been removed, the holding members 13 hold the cathode 3 in position and ensure the electrical separation of cathode 3 and component 2 during electrochemical post-processing. In the 3 and 4 The shapes of the cathode 3 shown can also be applied to the second exemplary embodiment.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be so limited. Rather, the invention includes all modifications and alternative constructions within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the features of various embodiments and method steps may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

If the diameter of channel 4 is small, it may make sense if the electrolyte medium does not enter channel 4 through an immersion bath, but rather by flushing or pumping it in. It can thus be guaranteed that the cathode 3 is completely surrounded by electrolyte medium.

Reference symbol list

1

arrangement

2

Component

3

cathode

4

channel

4a, 4b

mouth

5

first section, main building panel

5a

Recording

5b

Fastening section, drill hole

6

second section, annex panel

7

Insulation layer, plastic layer

8th

Fastening, plastic screw

9

structural weak point, porous structure

10

structural weak point, predetermined breaking point

11

Grid structure

12

Break points

13

retaining member, plug

14

Support structure

D

Distance

F

foot point

H

undercut,

K

kink

S

gap

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102016114969 [0006]
• US 10413983 [0009]

Claims (14)

Method for producing a component (2) with at least one channel (4) extending into the component (2), comprising the steps: a. Step A: Producing an arrangement (1) comprising the component (2) and at least one cathode (3) extending into the channel (4) of the component (2) using additive manufacturing. b. Step B: Electrochemical post-processing of the component (2) by generating a closed circuit via the component (2) as an anode and the cathode (3) using an electrolyte medium, preferably by positioning the arrangement (1) in an electrolyte immersion bath and / or by flushing the channel (4) with electrolyte. c. Step C: Remove the cathode (3) from the channel (4). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cathode (3) and the component (2) are manufactured by 3D printing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cathode (3) is held in position in step B without contact with the component (2) within the channel (4), preferably between the cathode (3) and the component (2) there is a distance (D), the distance (D) preferably being the same at least in several sections of the channel (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (1) is manufactured in one piece in step A and the cathode (3) is separated from the component (2) before step B, the cathode (3) preferably being separated in step A a support structure (14) is produced in contact with the component (2), which is structurally removed before step B by means of mechanical breaking, sound or caustic processes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (1) is manufactured in step A and/or positioned in step B in such a way that the cathode (3) emerges from at least one mouth (4a, 4b) of the channel (4 ) protrudes over the component (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (4) has at least one linear discontinuity (H, K), preferably at least one undercut (H) and/or at least one bend (K) and/or at least one curvature and /or at least a branch. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (2) is manufactured using a multi-part manufacturing structure with at least two mechanically coupled and electrically decoupled sections (5, 6), the arrangement (1) in step A being on the multi-part Manufacturing structure is manufactured or is connected to such a multi-part manufacturing structure to carry out step B, so that the component (2) is connected to one of the sections (5) and the cathode (3) is connected to another of the sections (6). to hold the component (2) and the cathode (3) in position without contact. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least two sections (5, 6) of the multi-part manufacturing structure are electrically insulated from one another by an insulating layer (7), preferably a plastic layer (7), and/or by at least one non-conductive, detachable fastening (8), in particular a plastic screw (8), are mechanically connected. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sections (5) of the multi-part manufacturing structure forms a receptacle (5a) for another of the sections (6) and/or that at least one of the sections (5) of the multi-part manufacturing structure has at least one fastening section (5b), in particular a borehole (5b) for fastening to an additive manufacturing machine, for example a 3D printer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cathode (3) is held in step B by at least one electrically insulated holding member (13) within the channel (4) at a distance (D) from the component (2), preferably this Holding member (13) is arranged at a mouth (4a, 4b) of the channel (4). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding member (13) seals the channel (4) in a fluid-tight manner and is preferably shaped as a plug (13). Method according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the electrolyte medium is introduced into the channel (4) and/or removed from the channel by at least one holding member (13) and/or the cathode (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cathode (3) is manufactured as a lattice structure (11), in particular with at least one structural weak point (9, 10), preferably at least a linear discontinuity (H, K) of the channel (4), the cathode (3) preferably being designed with a porous structure (9) or a predetermined breaking point (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cathode (3) is structurally dissolved or divided in step C by means of mechanical disruption, sound or etching processes, so that the cathode (3) can be removed from the channel (4).

Images