Letter 27078

Alternative to elelctropolishing 304 SS [Georgia] 

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I happened onto this site today while trying to find information regarding the finishing of 304 ss. I manufacture a piece of equipment that is used in meat processing. We manufacture an average of 30 units per year. Made of 304 ss mill finish, 7 ga and 10 ga sheet, 14 ga tubing, 1/4"plate. The basic footprint is 5' long, 4' tall and 2' wide. I had inquired about having the frame (welded complete) electropolished. I have a source with a tank sufficient to submerge the entire machine but I was told that the finish would not be uniform because of the bends, angles and shape. It was suggested that welded and non-welded sub-components be electropolished and then final assembly welded. It was recommended that a gel(?) be used to clean those welds. It seems to me that it would defeat part of the purpose of electropolishing and that is to have a uniform shiny/clean appearance. My objective is to find a finishing/polishing process that seals the pores of the material the way electropolishing would, is economical, not entirely labor intensive and suitable for food contact and can withstand a harsh cleaning environment. Plating or surface coating is not an option.

I hope this is sufficient information to form a conclusion. Thanks in advance.

Judy Godfrey
metal fabrication,food processing equipment - Canton, Georgia, USA

My conclusion is you need an electropolishing shop with larger tanks and the time to give attention to the jigging of this part with auxiliary cathodes, special agitation, and whatever is required to electropolish it despite its peculiarities. There is no real substitute for electropolishing, and huge parts have been electropolished.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

We have a 2000 gallon electropolish tank and can handle your size part. Ted is correct in saying that proper cathoding can produce a uniform appearance on a complex shaped part.

Dan Weaver Team Metal Finishing - Toccoa, GA

The simplest and easiest way is to get it electropolished by someone like Dan who knows what he is doing. If that is not possible, there is one other way that is not very labor intensive and will give you what you need. You can rig an electric wand using the right chemistry and equipment with enough power to give you the speed you need. This is being done quite effectively to welds by a number of companies.

Lee Kremer Stellar Solutions, Inc. Algonquin, IL, USA

I want to answer or follow-up on this subject publicly (in non-commercial fashion).

 

My company is a supporting advertiser at finishing.com and we want the contact information to reach the inquirer privately.

 

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