Electropolishing Explained: Benefits, Applications & Junying's Expert Metal Finishing Services

In this guide, CNClathing.com will introduce Junying metal surface finishing services – electropolishing with its definition, materials, applications, and benefits or advantages.

What is Electropolishing & Electrolytic Polishing?

Electropolishing, also known as electrolytic polishing, or electrochemical polishing, anodic polishing, it’s regarded as the reverse of electroplating. In the electropolishing process, the electrolyte chemicals that connected to a power supply will dissolve the ridges and valleys of the metal exterior to get a smooth and uniform surface. The chemicals used in electrolytic polishing are usually acidic electrolytes such as sulfuric acid or phosphorus acid.

What metals can be polished electrolytically?

Almost all metals or CNC machining metal parts can be electropolished, including aluminum, brass, carbon steel, copper, stainless steel, cobalt-chrome, nickel alloys, titanium, while the most-commonly polished metals are 300- and 400-series stainless steel.

Electropolishing Applications

• 1. Medical and dental industry. Make the surgical and dental tools clean and running well.
• 2. Food processing and packaging. Sterilize the food processing machinery, containers.
• 3. Aerospace parts. The critical airplane parts, bodies of ocean vessels and aircraft.
• 4. Automotive gears and fuel lines, the racing industry.
• 5. Home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
• 6. Semiconductor products. Irregularly-shaped objects
• 7. Mechanical components. Fasteners, springs, blades, piping, etc.

Benefits of Electropolishing

• 1. Reduce the roughness and improve the appearance of the metal machined products.
• 2. Produce the metal parts easier to clean and sterilize
• 3. Higher resistance to corrosion and rust.
• 4. Lower friction and increase the magnetism of metal.
• 5. Can reach areas that are inaccessible by other polishing methods.
• 6. Can be used to reduce the size of parts.
• 7. Does not deform metal surface layers like mechanical polishing.