As the automotive industry rapidly shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for high-performance and reliable components is critical.
Electropolishing provides EV battery manufacturers with a precise, controllable and effective process for eliminating surface defects and improving the conductivity of aluminum and copper parts. Electropolishing is effective for both pre-plating surface improvement, or as the final finishing step.
Electropolishing improves conductivity by eliminating surface defects, refining the surface finish and ensuring parts are free from contaminants that could impair performance. By partnering with Able, electric vehicle manufacturers can ensure their battery components meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, driving the future of sustainable transportation.
Electropolishing small, critical interior auto parts greatly reduces the threat of lingering metal shavings, burrs and embedded contaminants that can compromise a vehicle’s performance. The process removes a precise amount of surface metal from parts to brighten, deburr, improve corrosion resistance, and remove imperfections and contaminants left behind by stamping, machining, tumbling and other manufacturing processes.
Auto manufacturers also need a process to remove weld discoloration and improve corrosion resistance of exterior metal parts. Electropolishing does all of this in one process, giving the stainless steel a uniformly bright, shiny and chrome-like appearance. Stringent salt spray and humidity tests show that electropolished parts have much higher ability to withstand corrosion and the effects of harsh elements like road salt, which causes corrosion and discoloration over time.
We recommend sending samples for electropolishing so that you can evaluate both finish and dimensional changes. If electropolishing is planned during the design stage, the material removal can be factored into your final size specifications.
Auto engineers are focused on proper function, safety, reliability and performance of metal parts. Electropolishing can yield a bright and uniform surface finish that will never crack or peel, greatly increasing corrosion resistance and fatigue life improvement.
Whether you are an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), a part manufacturer or a metal working shop looking to solve these common surface problems, it's critical to find a solution to adequately address these issues in a cost-effective method.
Learn why enhanced corrosion resistance is one of the most common reasons engineers across a variety of industries rely on electropolishing to finish their critical metal parts, especially for parts made of stainless steel. Three included case studies show the difference electropolishing makes.
Many machined metal parts undergo a plating or coating as the final step in production – for added durability, corrosion resistance, or to achieve a certain appearance or functionality.
Contract manufacturers face intense pressure to keep their production processes streamlined, efficient and fast – without sacrificing quality.
In industries like medical device, aerospace, semiconductor, and automotive manufacturing, precision isn’t just a goal – it’s a necessity. A single imperfection, invisible to the naked eye, can result in catastrophic failures.
Whatever the bumps along the road, the future of the automobile industry is electric – and the future of the EV auto industry is built on the reliability, safety and performance of its batteries
