Electropolishing is a finishing process that enhances the quality of metal surfaces.
It involves the removal of a superficial layer from a material.
Although it may seem counterintuitive to proceed with electropolishing after pickling and passivation treatments, this process further refines the surface by removing even the smallest imperfections.
The technique used in electropolishing is galvanic, where the surface layer is removed ion by ion electrolytically.
The Necessary Steps
The precision of the electropolishing process is clear: the layer removed from stainless steel is only a few microns thick.
Before electropolishing, the object undergoes a thorough cleaning phase, which may include degreasing, pickling, and passivation treatments.
These steps are crucial to ensure a contaminant-free surface. Only then can electropolishing achieve a uniform removal layer, resulting in surface roughness leveling and micro-burr elimination. Additionally, it removes surface micro-inclusions, making the surface easier to clean and sanitize.
