Electropolishing Material Removal Control
The ability to precisely control the degree and accuracy of surface material removal is a key benefit of Able’s electropolishing process. The combination of a chemical bath and a rectified electrical current enable a microscopically precise layer of surface material to be removed.
The chart below illustrates the range of material removal control in our process for a variety of common and specialty alloys to achieve the specific benefit desired. Every finishing project has its own unique challenges. Able’s ability to achieve exacting control of the material removal process allows us to provide the right finishing solution for every project.
Metal Alloy | Material Removal Control in the Process | Minimum / Cleaning | Microfinish | Microdeburring | Corrosion Resistance |
| Titanium | .0001″ per surface | .0001″ per surface | .00025″ per surface | .0005″ per surface | N/A |
| Nitinol | .0001″ per surface | .0001″ per surface | .00025″ per surface | .0005″ per surface | N/A |
| Brass | .00025″ per surface | .00025″ per surface | .0005″-.001″ per surface | .0005″ – .001″ per surface | N/A |
| Copper | .00025″ per surface | .00025″ per surface | .0005″-.001″ per surface | .0005″ – .001″ per surface | N/A |
| Steel | .00025″ per surface | .00025″ per surface | .0005″-.001″ per surface | .0005″ – .001″ per surface | N/A |
| Stainless Steel | .0001″ per surface | .0001″ per surface | .0005″ per surface | .0005″-.001″ per surface | .0005″ per surface |
| Aluminum | .00025″ per surface | .00025″ per surface | .0005″-.001″ per surface | .0005″ – .001″ per surface | N/A |
At Able Electropolishing, the ability to precisely and consistently control the amount of material removal is a key differentiator, further enhanced by the use of robotic automation, in addition to diligent standards for quality control, training, and customer service. Customized racking and tooling combined with part and alloy-specific bath chemistry ensures the uniform application of current and the highest-quality results. As pioneers of the electropolishing industry, our processes have been honed over 68 years of innovation and collaboration with engineers across industries.
Whether your part needs a small, medium or large amount of stock removal often depends on the application. Parts with extremely tight tolerances in their specifications may specify a low level of stock removal, (e.g. .0002”). A higher level of stock removal is often specified for parts that undergo manufacturing processes where burrs are a common problem.
Free Electropolishing Sample
To see how we can improve the microfinish with precisely controlled material removal, send us your parts or prototypes and we’ll electropolish them for free – we’ll even pay for the shipping. Samples are processed in 24-48 hours.
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