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Electropolishing of Stainless Steel and other
metals - Why Electropolish ?
The surface finish of a metal component will determine its appearance,
function and service life.
Electropolishing significantly improves the crucial metallic surface
properties. An ultra high quality surface finish is obtained by a
simple and cost effective operation.
The Process Principle
Electropolishing is, in principle a reversal of the electroplating
process. Metal is removed by applying a dc current to the anodically
connected work piece submerged in a special acid electrolyte. Removal
takes place without inducing stress and preferentially affects the
surface micro-roughness. The surface becomes smooth and bright, with
burrs, edges and corners being removed preferentially.
The results can be repeated with a high degree of precision so that
components with tight tolerances can also be treated in safety.
What Materials can be Electropolished?
Poligrat have electrolytes and processes which are designed to
effectively process most of the common engineering materials.
Austenitic & Ferritic Stainless SteelsMild Steel, Tool Steel & Speciality SteelsCopper & Copper AlloysAluminium & Aluminium AlloysNickel & Nickel based Alloys ( Monel, Hastelloy, Inconel)Magnetic AlloysChrome Cobalt Alloys Almost any size and shape of component can be treated.
Electropolishing will bring out the characteristic properties of the
material to maximum effect.
Metallically clean and free from stressSmooth and free from microscopic cracks.Minimum absolute surface area.Chemically passiveFree from burrs, fragments, particles and gas occlusionsBright and decorative.
Electropolished surfaces are distinguished by:
Improved corrosion resistance and durabilityReduced friction
and wearEasier cleaning, reduced build-up of products on the surface, reduced bacterial growthReduced radioactive contamination and improved decontamination behaviourPrevention of catalytic wall reactionReduced pumping times to achieve high vacuumImproved high frequency conductivityImproved adhesion of plating depositsOptimum reflectivity
The Process Results
Electropolished and mechanically produced metal surfaces have
fundamental differences.
Mechanical operations such as machining, drilling, grinding and
polishing will all adversely affect the structure and properties of
the material surface. Contamination resulting from tool abrasion and
contact with coolants, can lead to corrosion and wear. Dependent upon
the degree of the manufacturing forces applied, the surface structure
can be affected to a depth of 50 microns.
In contrast to this, Electro-polishing will remove metal from the
component without mechanical, thermal or chemical transformation.
Electro-polishing will eliminate damaged surface layers and allow the
original properties of the material to be fully utilised.
The areas of Application
The POLIGRAT processes and the electro-polished surfaces produced by
these processes have been employed in a wide range of varying
applications in practically all fields of engineering and industry:
Chemical, biochemical, pharmaceutical industriesFood and beverage industriesElectrical and electronic engineeringPlant and equipment manufactureMachine and tool manufacturingPrecision engineering and associated equipmentTextile and paper industryAutomotive and vehicle manufacturingAviation and aerospace engineeringNuclear research and nuclear industryVacuum and cryogenic engineeringOrnaments and fancy metal goodsArchitecture and interior decorationHousehold and kitchen equipment
On Site Processing
In the particular case of large vessels, which cannot easily be
shipped to our works, Poligrat have an experienced team of technicians
who can carry out electropolishing at your site.
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