The extreme heat resistance and resilience characteristic of refractory metals like niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum and TZM make them useful in applications like aerospace components, small modular reactor components and other parts that must withstand extreme environments.
But like other metal parts, components made from refractory metals can be compromised by surface defects left behind by machining processes. These can include burrs, microcracks, embedded contaminants, tarnish and corrosive surface oxides.
Possible Components for Electropolishing
Niobium: superconducting RF cavities, particle accelerators, medical implants
Molybdenum: focus cups & ion beam components, rocket nozzles & aerospace hardware, glass melting electrodes, furnace components, semiconductor CVD/PVD hardware, X-ray anodes & medical imaging components, vacuum system components, sputtering targets
Tungsten: electrical contacts, semiconductor CVD/PVD hardware, lamp filaments, radiation shielding, X-ray tubes, kinetic energy projectiles
Tantalum: nuclear reactor components, missile components, surgical implants, capacitor, furnace hardware
TZM: X-ray tube components, high-temperature tooling, EDM electrodes, aerospace nozzles, nuclear reactor components, furnace components
Electropolishing is an effective process for eliminating these defects and leaves behind an ultrasmooth, burr-free and corrosion-resistant metal surface.
Proprietary Processes and Handling for Niobium, Tantalum and Other Refractory Metals
Among its other benefits, the electropolishing process can be customized by alloy and application to produce precise and consistent results across part surfaces.
But the density, durability and hardness that make refractory metals well suited for tough applications can also make them challenging to finish.
Best results require tightly controlled processes and specialized handling by an experienced electropolishing provider.
At Able Electropolishing our proprietary processes, in-house electrolytes and meticulous quality control — along with more than 70 years of experience and collaboration with engineers across industries that include aerospace, semiconductor and medical manufacturing — produce high-quality results for refractory metal parts.
In 2008, in partnership with the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, we helped develop a process for electropolishing niobium and other refractory metals that we have continued to improve.
Benefits of Electropolishing for Refractory Metals
By facilitating a process of closely controlled material removal, electropolishing leaves refractory metals smooth, defect-free and with enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. It also leaves parts in a passivated state and can eliminate the need for any additional finishing processes.
Superior Finishing Results for Your Refractory Metal Parts
To learn more about Able solutions for refractory metal components, contact a member of our team. You can also send us a sample part to electropolish and see the results firsthand, at no charge.
