Electropolishing is an electrochemical treatment performed on metals to remove a few microns of material and create a more uniform surface. But why should electropolishing become a standard?
The advantages of this treatment are numerous, beginning with the ability to achieve extreme surface cleanliness (crucial for the most critical applications) and improved sanitization.
Beyond scenarios where aesthetic components (polishing or satin finishing) dominate over process specifications, the execution of an electrochemical treatment undoubtedly provides a significant advantage that both manufacturers and end users should consider.
First and foremost, this treatment makes the metal surface (assuming the starting base is defect-free and treated by the manufacturer with proper precautions) virtually perfect and free of irregularities.
This means that materials treated with electropolishing are not only aesthetically superior but also significantly easier to clean and sanitize.
This is a critical factor considering that metals are among the most commonly used materials in industries, especially in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors.
Read also: Electrolytic Polishing for Pharmaceutical Reactors
These industries prioritize the hygiene and safety of metals they come into daily contact with during operations. This is why electropolishing must become a standard.
But is this the only reason? No, but if you’re wondering why electropolishing is so important, it’s better to step back and first understand what electropolishing is, why it should become a standard, its functions, benefits, and uses.
Electropolishing: What It Is and Differences with Traditional Polishing
One reason electropolishing should become a standard lies in its differences from traditional polishing.
Electropolishing is an electrochemical treatment of certain metals aimed at making their surface perfectly smooth, easily sanitizable, and less prone to deterioration.
Unlike traditional metal polishing, which involves various types of thermal and mechanical stresses, electropolishing induces no stress and does not alter the surface temperature.
Therefore, it is a finishing process used to perfect metal surfaces, ensuring longer-lasting results that can prevent both deterioration and corrosion.
result is a smooth, polished, and shiny surface.
How Electropolishing Works
Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes the most superficial layer of metal. It should be noted that this is the final step in the treatment process, after other cleaning treatments like degreasing, pickling, and passivation have been completed.
Electropolishing can be performed on almost all primary metals. Stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, and nickel alloys can be electropolished.
The process involves using an acid solution that, in contact with electrical current, allows ions to perform a surface erosion of the metal.
It is a chemical process based on electrolysis, consisting of an electric current flow conducted through a suitable electrolyte between the cathode and the anode.
One example of an electrolyte used by Bama in its processes is E-Brill. This electrolyte, which Bama uses for stainless steel electropolishing, complies with international ASTM B-192 standards, as do all substances used by Bama.
Bama also has specific electrolytes for ferritic, martensitic, or copper alloys. Moreover, Bama has developed technology for using electrolytes for bulk treatment of small metal parts, replacing, where possible, the more costly frame electropolishing.
Why Perform Electropolishing
Understanding its mechanism makes it clearer why electropolishing should become a standard.
It is essential for surfaces where contamination, or even the risk of contamination, must be minimized, such as in the medical and healthcare sectors.
It is also highly recommended in other sectors like hydraulics, where no particle release must occur within water pipes.
The main advantage over other industrial treatments that yield similar, though not identical, results is that electropolishing not only prevents the deterioration of metallurgical properties but also ensures a distortion-free surface. This is in contrast to mechanical finishes, which can cause distortions and are generally more time and cost-intensive.
Additionally, electropolishing is suitable for any metal surface, including delicate instruments. Given the overall simplicity of the treatment, electropolishing can be used as a standard for treating objects of any shape or size.
In conclusion, electropolishing is a process that not only makes metals aesthetically superior, more brilliant, polished, and smooth to the touch but also adds significant value for manufacturers and end-users, who should seriously consider this treatment.
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