Electropolishing Stainless Steel

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Electropolishing is an electrochemical process often referred to as “reversed plating”. Electropolishing removes material at a controlled rate and can be controlled to .0002” accuracy. Electropolishing stainless steel will help to restore the natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel, improve surface finish, enhance aesthetics, and make products easier to clean and sterilize.

The Electropolishing Process

Electropolishing stainless steel involves the racking of parts, then immersing them into a temperature-controlled bath of electrolyte which is composed of a mixture of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. Parts are positively charged during electropolishing using DC power. The electrolyte acts as a conductor and a small amount of metal is dissolved off the parts’ surface. The process leaves behind a clean, smooth, and passivated surface. Parts are then subjected to multiple rinsing steps to ensure any residual electrolyte is removed before the parts are dried, inspected and packaged for shipping.

Passivation vs. Electropolishing

A material is considered passivated when it can demonstrate a high resistance to corrosion in an environment where you would expect corrosion to take place. There are multiple means to accomplish the passivation of stainless-steel products and components. Passivation can be achieved through chemical processes like nitric acid passivation and citric acid passivation, or it can also be achieved through electropolishing.

The chromium in stainless steel forms a thin, oxygen enriched, passive layer on the surface of the metal. This layer is what makes stainless steel resistant to corrosion. Manufacturing process such as machining, cutting, stamping, and welding will disrupt the passive layer and embed free iron and impurities into the surface layer of the metal. These impurities lead to corrosion if left untreated.

Learn more at https://neelectropolishing.com/electr...