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What is electropolishing

Electropolishingu00a0is an electrochemical finishing process that removes a thin layer of material from a metal part, typically stainless steel or similar alloys. The process leaves a shiny, smooth, ultra-clean surface finish.<br>

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What is electropolishing

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  1. Indaco metal coats Aluminium Anodizing | Titanium Anodizing | Indaco Coats www.metalcoats.com

  2. What is electropolishing? How does electropolishingwork? • Electropolishing is an electrochemical finishing process that removes a thin layer of material from a metal part, typically stainless steel or similar alloys. The process leaves a shiny, smooth, ultra-clean surface finish. • Also known as electrochemical polishing, anodic polishing or electrolytic polishing, electropolishing is especially useful for polishing and deburring parts that are fragile or have complex geometries.

  3. The process of electropolishing is distinct from passivation, though it is easy to confuse the two processes. Both are non-mechanical, chemical processes, but only electropolishing uses electrical current. Both processes are intended to improve corrosion resistance, although there is some industry debate as to the effectiveness of electropolishing for corrosion resistance. For a detailed review of the distinctions, see Passivation vs. Electropolishing. • Electropolishing can be thought of as reverse electroplating. Instead of adding a thin coating of positively-charged metal ions, electropolishing uses electric current to dissolve a thin layer of metal ions into an electrolyte solution.

  4. How does electropolishing work?

  5. In electropolishing, the metal part or work-piece serves as the positively-charged anode. The work-piece is connected to the positive terminal of a DC power rectifier. The negatively-charged cathode, generally made of stainless steel or zirconium, is connected to the negative terminal of the DC power rectifier. • Both anode and cathode are immersed in a temperature-controlled bath of electrolyte solution, typically consisting of a high-viscosity mixture of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid.

  6. Electrical current from the rectifier is conducted from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. The electrical current causes metal ions on the surface of the part to oxidize and dissolve into the electrolyte. This process can dissolve extremely small, tightly controlled amounts of metal, resulting in micron-level thickness of surface removal.

  7. The amount of metal surface removal is controlled by the following factors: • Electrolyte chemical composition • Temperature of electrolyte (typically 170 °F – 180 °F) • Length of time of exposure to electrical current • Density of electrical current (varies by electrolyte; typical range is 140 – 250 amps per square foot) • Composition of metal alloy undergoing electropolishing • In the process of electropolishing, burrs and other projections attract greater current density and erode more quickly, leading to a smoother metal surface finish.

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