Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Info re Electropolishing of Tool Steels

I know that there are processes for electropolishing of stainless steels but I was wondering if anyone knows of a similar process for tool steels. We are a tool and die shop and would like to get the best finish possible on our die components before getting them plated or coated. Ideally, the process would remove polishing marks.

Steve Hill
- Blacksburg, Virginia
1998

---

You'll find a good treatment of this topic in the Electroplating Engineering Handbook. Steel can be electropolished, but a practical amount of electropolishing will not remove significant scratches.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

---

Steve:

We have sold electropolishing chemicals and equipment for more than 20 years, but we have not yet found a bath which can polish typical tool steels, such as A2, D2, etc. Most of these alloys have high levels of non-metallic components which will not carry current.

We never refuse to look at a new problem, though, so please let us know if you have another alloy you'd like us to try. If you wish, we can process a free sample to show you what happens. We're listed in the Suppliers Directory on this web site, with links to our own world wide web site.

Regards,

Ed Bayha
Metal Coating Process Corporation - Charlotte, North Carolina
1998