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Holes in electropolished SS 316LVM [Spain] 

July 7, 2008

I am trying to get a 316LVM stainless steel disk electropolished and for that I am applying several procedures that I have found in the literature based in the use of acid mixture or acid mixture-glycerol as electrolites and temperatures around 80 ºC. I have done several tries using different current values and voltaje. All I get is a kind of smother surface but with holes distributed homogeneously in the whole surface.

Can someone tell me if these holes are because of etching or picking and a way for not having them?

Thank you so much.

Maria Arevalo
Researcher - Badajoz, Spain

Oh God! These holes on the stainless steel surface after electropolishing are everywhere. I am getting crazy! Anyone knows how these holes are formed or why? And what it is more important. Anyone knows how avoiding these holes? is it something relating to stirring electrolyte solution? Is the gap size between electrodes so important?

Maria Arevalo
student - Spain

Hi, I am just starting to work with 316L steel, and I would need a really smooth surface (nanosized Ra). However I am not able just becouse of bubbles in the electrolytic process.
Does anyone know if it is possible somehow to get rid of these bubbles?

Maria Arevalo
Product desinger - Spain

Hi Maria,
Before I offer some advice, may I ask a few questions?
Is the surface shiny or dull and gray?
What current density are you using?
Are the "bubbles" another description of "holes" or do you also have gas adhering to the suface of the stainless steel?
Are you still monitoring the forum for replies?
Harry Parkes

Harry Parkes
Retired Technical Manager - Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom