What is Electropolishing?

In a manufacturing setting, a more traditional means of cleaning surfaces may fall short for certain materials or parts with intricate design elements. Electropolishing can provide many benefits when used for sterilizing metal parts of machinery and devices with precision and consistency. Let’s explore this electrocleaning technique to find out more about what it is, how it works, and its advantages.

What is electropolishing?

Electropolishing, also known as electrochemical cleaning, eliminates stainless steel surface defects by removing a microscopically precise layer of surface material, to tolerances as low as +/-.0001″ leaving a lasting bright finish. This degree of precision and consistency, along with the ability to remove a variety of surface imperfections in one process, is why electropolishing is so often specified for critical metal parts. Additionally, electropolishing offers more corrosion protection than passivation. An electric current is paired with an electrolyte solution to remove rust, dirt, and grease from metal surfaces of machinery and devices. Metal parts that have intricate designs or elements that might otherwise be challenging to clean may benefit from using electropolishing as an alternative to more traditional cleaning methods available.

What is the process involved in electropolishing?

At ADV Plating, we use a four-step process when electropolishing metal parts, which includes:

• Preparation. The preparation process involves cleaning the surface of the metal components to remove large particles or loose debris.
• Electrolyte solution. After the surfaces are cleaned and dried, an electrolyte solution is applied onto the surfaces of the device or part. The type of electrolyte solution used will vary depending on several factors, including the type of contaminants on the surface and the material being cleaned.
• Electrolysis. The component is then submerged into the electrolyte solution and then connected to a power source which emits electrical currents. This causes a chemical reaction that breaks down contaminants and thoroughly cleans the metal device or part.
• Rinsing. Once complete, the part is then rinsed with water to remove loosened contaminants or any residual electrolyte solution to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness.

How does electropolishing work?

Ions are created when the electrolyte solution is paired with electricity, which interacts with and loosens debris and contaminants in a thorough and effective manner. There are two types of reaction that can occur, including anodic reaction and cathodic reaction. The device being cleaned acts as a positive electrode, or anode, which allows for oxidation of the surface contaminants. Dirt and debris are transformed into soluble compounds which are easily rinsed away. At the same time, a negative electrode, or cathode, reduces rust and oxides on the surface of metals. This dual action between positive and negative electrodes ensures a thorough cleaning while protecting metal components from future corrosion and rust at the same time.

What are the benefits of electropolishing?

There are many reasons why our customers choose electropolishing for their business. Our team can help you decide if electropolishing is best. Electropolishing is:

• Best for enhancing surface quality. Electropolishing is a process that not only cleans components but polishes the surfaces by removing imperfections that might be caused by oxidation and corrosion. This means enhanced performance characteristics and improved aesthetics of these metal parts.
• An effective contaminant removal method. At the top of the list is the effectiveness of electropolishing to remove grease, oils, oxide scale, heat stains, micro-burrs and other debris, and unwanted contaminants from metal parts. The electrical energy used ensures deeper penetration into hard-to-reach areas and deep crevices on metal components that might be difficult to remove using more traditional cleaning methods.
• Environmentally friendly. Other cleaning agents and methods may use harmful solvents or chemicals that can be bad for the environment, especially if they are not properly disposed of after use. With electropolishing, electricity and environmentally-friendly electrolyte solutions are used as an alternative in the industrial cleaning process.
• A cost-effective solution. Other types of cleaning may be pricey, but many find that electropolishing services through ADV Plating is a relatively affordable alternative while ensuring improved thoroughness and accuracy in removing unwanted debris from devices and parts. These long-term cost savings also increase efficiency in the maintenance processes of industrial equipment and reduce labor charges with time.

How is electropolishing used?

There are many applications of electropolishing in various businesses and industries that make it such a versatile solution. The following applications may be used:

• Automotive industry. In repair shops and automotive manufacturing plants, electropolishing is a critical component in preparing parts to ensure they are free from dirt, grease, and other contaminants.
• Aerospace industry. Many aerospace components require higher stands for cleanliness because of stringent, high-quality safety regulations. With electropolishing, these critical parts can be kept clean and fully functional.
• Electronics manufacturing. In the arena of electronics, manufacturing facilities require great precision cleaning to ensure certain components, such as circuit boards, are cleaned—though they can often be sensitive to traditional cleaning methods.
• Medical equipment production. The field of medicine also requires high standards when it comes to hygiene and health, so electroplating of medical devices, instruments, and equipment is often the best solution for these industrial plants. The integrity of the metal appliances must also be kept in mind throughout the decontamination process.

Can my business or industrial plant benefit from electropolishing services?

At ADV Plating, we know that this method of electrocleaning is a critical service for many manufacturing businesses. If you are thinking about electropolishing services, we invite you to contact us to learn more about how this technique can be beneficial for your company.