By submerging metal parts in an electrochemical bath, the electropolishing process dissolves a uniform layer of surface material. This strips away embedded contaminants, heat tint and oxide scale, leaving parts with a bright, corrosion resistant finish. Improving corrosion resistance isn’t the only benefit of this process, though.
Because electropolishing removes a uniform layer of material and not just embedded contaminants, it also dissolves surface imperfections in the part itself. This may include cracks, pits, burrs, and other micro imperfections too small to be seen by the naked eye. Eliminating them doesn’t just eliminate initiation sites for bacterial growth and corrosion—it prevents them from getting bigger over time and inhibiting part performance.
Consequently, electropolishing is good not just for improving corrosion resistance, but for improving part performance and longevity. Metal parts may be less susceptible to premature failure and fatigue stress, and without burrs and jagged edges, they may perform better, as well.
When metal parts are machined, a range of compromising imperfections – including microcracks, microburrs, stains, free iron, and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) recast – are often left behind. These small but significant imperfections can lead to a host of bad…
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a widely used manufacturing process known for its precision and ability to machine hard materials.
Titanium alloys are critical in industries requiring high strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance, such as aerospace and medical technologies.
In an undertaking as meticulous and methodical as electropolishing and passivation, it’s important to get the details right. That includes meeting the criteria established by outside standard-setting bodies that ensure the highest-quality materials and parts for critical industries like pharmaceuticals,…
