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Basic information about electropolishing
Q. I have an application in which an electropolish is desired on some very small parts (about the size of large watch screws) with some somewhat intricate features - a nailhead pin with a full radius on one end and the nailhead having a radius on the outer edge. The machined finish is approx. 32. I would like to electropolish to 16. Can anyone give recommendations on what to use as an electropolish. Material is Ni-Fe-Co alloy.
Jim Petrihermetics - Melbourne, Florida, USA
2004
A. Hello Jim. My first suggestion on what to use would be "an experienced electropolishing shop" :-)
Electropolishing of larger parts is difficult enough, but to start the learning process with such intricate parts is an invitation to expensive failure because if anything (temperature, agitation, current density, water content) is less than perfect you will etch the parts rather than electropolish them.
But the Electroplating Engineering Handbook ⇦ this on eBay, AbeBooks, or Amazon [affil link] includes a very good chapter on electropolishing, and lists a number of electrolytes that may be suitable.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
2004
Q. I want to do polishing on Nanocrystalline pure Nickel and Ni-18.5% Fe. What Electrolyte should I use. Please also suggest voltage, speed and time for Electropolishing. It will be of great Help. Thank You.
Jay Desai- Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
August 13, 2013
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