Electropolishing Case Study: Piston Assembly Components Needing Surface Improvements

MFG/METHOD

Drawn/Stamping

ALLOY

347 stainless steel

PROBLEM

This part is used as a flex coupling and has seal rings inserted inside. The part is copper plated to act as a mask prior to Malcomizing/heat treating. After Malcomizing, the sleeve is stripped of the copper plating by reverse electrolysis. This leaves a rough surface finish

SOLUTION

The entire component was electropolished with specifications to remove a controlled amount of material to achieve the required surface finish. The sleeve is bright and has a uniform finish. We provide special handling, inspection and packaging.

Note to engineer:Most heat treating operations produce at the minimum, heat discoloration, and at worst, heavy scale. Electropolishing is often specified as a post-heat treating operation to remove surface contamination. However, proper handling and pre- heat treat operations can maximize end finish results. Please contact our technical representatives for further information.