Electropolishing and Passivating for the Medical Device Industry

The Benefits for Medical Device Components

Electropolishing is an excellent fit for medical devices because of the multiple benefits the process has to offer.  Manufacturers like electropolishing because of the effectiveness of one process to achieve a finish that is smooth, free of burrs, corrosion resistant and clean.

Passivation is used when the application requires that the part be free of surface iron or other foreign matter.  The passivation process is not designed to remove heat tint or oxide scale.  Unlike electropolishing, passivating does not remove material and does not change the aesthetics of the stainless steel part.

Electropolishing Examples

Able Electropolishing Co., Inc. has had years of success electropolishing 420 SS, surgical stapler components.  To insure that the staples fire freely and do not jam, the parts require a burr free, smooth surface.  In addition, the electropolishing is used to remove the heat tint from heat treating, leaving the parts with a decorative, clean and passive finish.

Another successful application is the electropolishing of 420 SS, saw blades used in orthopedic surgical procedures.  These parts are made from 420 SS and are laser cut into various shapes and sizes.  It is critical that the cutting teeth are free from burrs and laser slag and remain sharp for accurate cutting.  Not only does the electropolishing accomplish this, but the process also removes the discoloration from laser cutting giving the parts a nice bright, uniform appearance.

Lastly, we electropolish many implantable items made from Nitinol and titanium.  With implantable items it is very important to have a part that is biocompatible.  The electropolishing process achieves this by removing the outer skin of metal along with the surface contaminants imbedded during the various manufacturing steps.  By removing the imbedded free iron and other contaminants, the passive, oxygen rich surface is excellent for inhibiting bacteria growth and retarding corrosion.

Able Electropolishing is ISO 13485:2003 and ISO 9001:2008 certified.

Services Provided

Electropolishing, Passivating (Nitric & Citric), Color Anodizing for Titanium and Contract Cleaning

Commonly Used Metal Alloys

303 SS, 304 SS, 316 SS, 410 SS, 416 SS, 420 SS, 440 SS, 17-4 PH SS, 17-7 PH SS, cobalt chrome, Nitinol and titanium

Specifications We Can Adhere To

Electropolishing:  ASTM B912, ASTM F86

Passivation:  ASTM A967, ASTM A380, AMS 2700, QQ-P-35