Electropolishing Stainless Steel

Introduction

Electropolishing employs an electrical current in a tank of electrolyte in a precisely controlled way, the end result is a high lustre surface finish. This stress-free process retains the detail of the component, removes contaminants and reinstates the passive layer improving corrosion resistance.

Metal parts are totally immersed in an electrolyte reaching both interior and exterior surfaces, a controlled electric current is then applied. The process produces a high lustre finish with low RA figures depending on the component configuration. The process de-burrs, removes welds marks, and heat treatment scale. The process is excellent for reaching irregular contours when other methods fail.

Electropolishing is now the acceptable procedure for finishing in a wide range of industries. Designers in aerospace, architectural, electronics, food processing equipment, filtration, marine, medical and surgical, semi-conductor, vacuum systems, pumps and valves have specified electropolishing for some considerable years.

For more detail see The Advantages of Electropolishing

Advantages of using the Electropolishing Process.

• Bright lustre, highly reflective surface.
• Improved oxide layer significantly improving corrosion resistance.
• Produces a measurable, uniform clean finish.
• Resistant to bacterial formation.
• De-burrs and restores surface integrity around weld areas.
• No hydrogen embrittlement or residues.
• There is no necessity for mechanical finishing.
• Improve fatigue performance by removing surface impurities on
  • Stampings
  • Forgings
  • Springs