Advances in magnetic field-assisted ECM—from magnetoelectric effects to technology applications

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is widely used as a special process in the manufacturing of parts. The introduction of a magnetic field can improve manufacturing quality and increase the electrochemical reaction rate. Magnetic fields have a non-negligible influence on processes such as mass transfer, polarization, limiting current density, electrocrystallization, and anodic dissolution in electrochemical reactions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of magnetoelectrochemistry (MEC) techniques and the effect of magnetic fields on ECM. Starting from the MEC effects caused by magnetic fields acting on ECM, as well as Maxwell stress effects and magnetocaloric effect, which have not yet been studied in the field of ECM, this paper summarizes the effect of magnetic field on electrochemical reaction rate, flow field, physicochemical properties of electrolyte, and material formation in ECM, reviews existing magnetic field-assisted ECM technologies, and proposes future applications of magnetic fields in electrochemical additive manufacturing (ECAM) technologies. Finally, the paper provides a summary and outlook to serve as a reference for MEC processing.