Electropolishing is an electrochemical metal finishing process, which removes a fine surface layer to create a smooth, bright finish. Electropolishing is often referred to as the reverse of electroplating, which deposits a surface coating. Electropolishing has a wide range of uses, and it is utilized across a broad spectrum of industries and fields. If you’re not familiar with electropolishing, here’s a useful guide to the characteristics and benefits.
What exactly is electropolishing?
Electropolishing is a precise smoothing process, which is used to streamline the surface of stainless steel alloys. With electropolishing, you can remove a microscopic surface layer, eliminating deposits, debris, and contaminants to reveal a flawless surface.
A wide range of metals and alloys can be treated using electropolishing. Although the process is most commonly used with stainless steel alloys, it can also be used with a variety of common metals, such as bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, nickel/iron, and carbon steel.
What does electropolishing involve?
To carry out the process of electropolishing a metal surface, you need a source of current and a rectifier to convert alternating current to direct current. In simple terms, the object or item that is due to be electropolished is submerged in an electrolyte, then exposed to the current. The object acts as the anode, while a conductor is used as the cathode. When the current is switched on, the process begins, as metal ions are individually stripped from the base material.
What are the benefits of electropolishing?
Electropolishing offers an array of benefits, including:
- Aesthetic appeal: electropolishing produces a smooth, radiant, uniform finish, with no imperfections or fine lines.
- Mechanical advantages: electropolishing reduces friction and prevents clogging, scaling, and residue build-up. In addition, this process reduces fatigue, improving performance and prolonging the lifespan of parts and components used in the automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace industries. Electropolishing also prevents surface drag, which is advantageous for improved aerodynamics.
- Cleaning: electropolishing deburrs metals, but it also acts as an intensive cleaning technique, capable of removing debris, oils, and rust. This is particularly beneficial for products used in medicine and dentistry, as well as in the aerospace industry. In addition to creating spotless surfaces, electropolishing makes it easy to keep surfaces clean, reducing maintenance time and improving sterilization.
- Corrosion resistance: electropolishing provides maximum resistance to corrosion by removing both metallic and non-metallic inclusions that gather and collect during the manufacturing process.
Electropolishing applications
Electropolishing can be used for a diverse range of applications. Here are some of the most common uses for electropolishing:
- Manufacturing piping and tubing
- Creating decontamination suites and clean rooms
- Food and beverage development and manufacturing
- Manufacturing surgical equipment and medical and dental instruments, including scalpels, needles, and clamps
- Creating machine parts, including washers and bolts
- Manufacturing aircraft and car parts
- Creating safe pharmaceutical products
The range of applications is constantly growing, and this is just a snapshot of the far-ranging capabilities of electropolishing.
Electropolishing is an advanced process, which eliminates microscopic imperfections to create smooth, hygienic surfaces.
If you’re interested in finding out more about electropolishing and how it could benefit your business, why not get in touch with us today?
