Electropolishing

Electropolishing is a controlled electro-chemical process whereby the surface material of a metallic part is removed. Electropolishing smooths, deburrs, polishes and effectively streamlines the surface of part by removing the metal ion by ion from its surface. Electropolishing is most commonly done on aluminum and stainless steel.The Electropolishing process also passivates or removes impurities from the metal. This results in a more corrosion resistant and cosmetically improved surface.

Electropolishing Removes Impurities
Stainless steel and aluminum materials have impurities in it from the manufacturing process. Those impurities eventually become sources of corrosion and cosmetic defects. Electopolishing removes those impurities from the surface of the material. Mechanical polishing will not remove the impurities and can worsen the corrosion resistance of the material by pushing the impurities farther into the material’s surface.

Electropolishing Yields the Brightest Results
Specify Electropolishing if you want the ultimate in physical appearance. No hand or mechanical polishing can yield results comparable to Electropolishing because Electropolishing occurs on a microscopic level. Electropolishing does not produce directional lines from abrasive polishing and this yields enhanced light reflection which in turn results in bright polished appearance with uniform luster on even the most complex shaped parts.

Electropolishing Benefits
Electropolishing does not reduce the fatigue strength of the material.

An Electropolished part will have less surface drag or friction and this will extend the life of the part and associated equipment and/or increase its performance.

Electropolished parts are more easily sterilized and cleaned because of their smooth microscopically featureless surface. That is why the food and beverage, healthcare and chemical industries all specify electropolishing of their products.

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