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Letter 27078
Alternative to elelctropolishing 304 SS
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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
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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.
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Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey
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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.
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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.
Dear Reader, please --
- Answer or follow-up on this subject (in non-commercial
fashion).
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- Post a new
question or inquiry on a different subject.
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