By submerging metal parts in an electrochemical bath, the electropolishing process dissolves a uniform layer of surface material. This strips away embedded contaminants, heat tint and oxide scale, leaving parts with a bright, corrosion resistant finish. Improving corrosion resistance isn’t the only benefit of this process, though.
Because electropolishing removes a uniform layer of material and not just embedded contaminants, it also dissolves surface imperfections in the part itself. This may include cracks, pits, burrs, and other micro imperfections too small to be seen by the naked eye. Eliminating them doesn’t just eliminate initiation sites for bacterial growth and corrosion—it prevents them from getting bigger over time and inhibiting part performance.
Consequently, electropolishing is good not just for improving corrosion resistance, but for improving part performance and longevity. Metal parts may be less susceptible to premature failure and fatigue stress, and without burrs and jagged edges, they may perform better, as well.
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.
