Electropolishing is a precise and controllable process for eliminating defects from the surface of metal parts. But it’s not the only finishing process available to manufacturers; there are mechanical, chemical and plating processes that can remove defects and improve the surface finish of metal parts.
So why do so many manufacturers rely on electropolishing as the last step in finishing their metal parts?
For many, precision is a key driver. For manufacturers of parts for medical devices and instruments, aerospace parts, electronics, and other complex components, electropolishing’s ability to remove a microscopically precise layer of surface material is a significant advantage.
Mechanical finishing processes like tumbling, deburring and vibratory finishing do not provide the same level of control or accuracy and can compromise delicate, complex and lightweight parts.
A Precise & Controllable Process for Complex Metal Parts
Benefits of Electropolishing
- Corrosion resistance
- Deburring
- Microfinish improvement
- Pathogen resistance
- Microcrack removal
- Improved fatigue life
- Pre-plating surface improvement
- Removal of EDM recast layer
- Removal of free iron
- Ultraclean surface finish
- Enhanced cleanability
In the hands of experienced electropolishing providers, the material removal process is highly controlled and customizable by alloy, by part design, and by application, with material removal control of .0005” to .001” per surface.
By gently dissolving a microscopically precise layer of surface material, electropolishing enables the removal of burrs and other defects from a wide range of fragile and elaborately shaped parts. At the same time, microfinish values are improved by up to 50%.
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance for High-Performance & Durability
Many manufacturers also choose electropolishing for the enhanced level of corrosion resistance it imparts. Salt spray tests show that electropolished parts have up to 30x the corrosion resistance of parts that are only passivated. By removing free iron from the surface of metal parts, electropolishing also leaves parts in a passive state without any additional processing required. For this reason, many engineers looking to pass stringent salt spray and humidity tests turn to electropolishing as a more aggressive replacement for passivation.
Manufacturers of parts with surfaces heavily contaminated by machining, welding or brazing often rely on electropolishing for the same reason. Since electropolishing dissolves the outer skin of metal, it is effective at removing even deeply embedded contamination.
The Practical Value of a High-Shine Finish
Some manufacturers rely on electropolishing for more than a better functioning and longer lasting part, however. For makers of equipment used in food and beverage processing, the high-shine finish of electropolished metal parts is more than a cosmetic advantage: it conveys the high standards of cleanliness and safety that are an industry baseline.
As a practical matter, the ultrasmooth finish and corrosion resistance of electropolished parts can also inhibit pathogen growth and leave parts better able to withstand frequent exposure to aggressive cleaning.
Why Manufacturers Choose Able Electropolishing
Manufacturers and contract manufacturers have little margin for error when it comes to maintaining the quality and speed of their production processes. The right electropolishing provider ensures not only the highest quality results for their parts, but also a streamlined process for getting their products to market quickly.
That’s why manufacturers of everything from medical implants to semiconductors rely on Able Electropolishing. Our processes have been honed over seven decades of innovation and collaboration with engineers across industries to ensure the highest quality results for their parts, consistently and on schedule.
See the Benefits of Electropolishing on Your Parts with a Free Sample
From our in-house testing and analysis services to our 24/5 production schedule, we have built our business on an uncompromising approach to quality control and customer support.
See why our work is trusted by engineers in the world’s most demanding manufacturing environments. Contact a member of our team to learn more or send us a sample part to see the results for yourself at no charge.
