Bonds created by welding (in HAZ-heat affected zones) can be extremely strong, but as anyone in the industry knows, heat application can sometimes result in discoloration. This discoloration often takes the form of a “rainbow” pattern of various colors, but can also appear as a dark or medium gray stain.
Electropolishing is time-tested metal finishing procedure that is commonly referred to as a “reverse plating process.” It significantly improves the lifespan of metal parts, protects against corrosion, and offers ultra cleaning benefits, all while retaining their original shape and size. We can work with large parts, delicate parts or any size in between.
Procedure Overview
During the manufacturing process, small imperfections on the surface of metal parts may be left behind. Electropolishing uses an electrochemical soak to remove the external layer of a metal part. By dispersing an even layer of surface metal, the electropolishing process also removes tiny fractures and other imperfections that may be present, including welding stains, heat tint, oxide scaling, burrs, rust, micro cracks, pits and a host of other surface flaws that can affect the function and durability of a part. These imperfections, often unseen by the human eye, can become sites for bigger cracks or incite oxidization, corrosion or other types of deterioration.
At Able Electropolishing, we have nearly 60 years of experience working with metal parts of various forms, including wire forms, machine parts, laser-cut tubes stampings, and many others.
Imperfections Eliminated
By removing these imperfections on the surface of metal parts, we have found electropolishing to considerably increase the life of metal parts. You may have found that stamped or welded metal parts sometimes have trouble meeting their stress requirements, an occurrence that will only worsen with frequent use. Electropolishing is the solution.
Aside from repairing heat tint and weld discoloration, electropolishing significantly increases a part’s resistance to corrosion, leaving it with a shining, brand new surface. Electropolishing can be performed on all variations of stainless steel. Additionally, electropolishing provides 30 times more corrosion resistance than passivation. Because it is so precisely controlled, the process of removing a uniform layer of surface metal is extremely effective. In fact, as little as .0001” of surface material can be removed.
At Able Electropolishing, we offer our electropolishing service for a wide array of everyday and specialized alloys, including:
- All Stainless Steels
- Carbon Steels
- Nickel Alloys
- Titanium
- Aluminum
- Copper Alloys
- Nitinol, Tungsten and other Specialty Alloys
With electropolishing technology, Able can take away enough surface material to eliminate weld discoloration, allowing your part to keep working for a longer period of time.
Contact Able today to learn more about this process and how we can help you.
