Electropolishing, a finishing process that gives additional value to surfaces
Electropolishing is a process of removing a surface layer from a material.
It may seem a contradiction, after pickling and passivation treatments, to proceed in the opposite way, but in reality electropolishing is a finishing process that gives added value to the surfaces, as it is aimed at removing the smallest imperfection.
The technique performed during electropolishing is therefore galvanic. The removal of the surface layer is done ion by ion electrolytically.
The necessary steps
It is therefore easy to understand the precision of the electropolishing process: the layer removed from the stainless steel is only a few microns thick.
Preliminary to the electropolishing process is a phase of careful cleaning of the object, which may include degreasing, pickling and passivation treatments.
All these steps are necessary to ensure a surface perfectly free from any contaminating agent. Only in this way will the electropolishing be able to remove a uniform layer, reaching the final result with a leveling of the surface roughness and therefore the elimination of micro-burrs. It also eliminates surface micro-inclusions, making the surface more cleanable and hygienic.
