When you need parts to have a consistent finish, free of imperfections, electropolishing can be an ideal process for your company’s small metal parts.
Electropolishing is a metal treatment process, often referred to as a “reverse plating process,” that electro-chemically removes the outermost layer of metal to create a uniform surface. Unlike other mechanical polishing processes, electropolished parts aren’t tumbled or vibrated, eliminating the risk for uneven surfaces. Instead, electropolished parts are immersed in a chemical bath, which removes a uniform layer of material and eliminates embedded contaminants and micro defects.
A common purpose of electropolishing is to remove surface material in a systematic fashion in order to remove defects that can only be seen at a microscopic level. By having your parts electropolished, they will be more resistant to cracking and corrosion, making your parts more reliable and long-lasting. Although less common, you may have your parts electropolished for cosmetic reasons. Once metal products undergo electropolishing, they are cleaned, brightened and polished for an overall improved aesthetic appeal.
Because so many industries, including medical, dental, pharmaceutical, aerospace and more, utilize electropolishing for their products, it has become a common finishing procedure for many small metal parts, including:
Is electropolishing the right finishing method for your metal part?
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.
