Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
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for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Electropolishing
Q. I am trying to electropolish Stainless Steel (Inox). I have added all the different acids but not sure on the Qty per acid. I am getting a matte like shine not a bright finish.
Brett AuthersBull bars - South Africa
2005
A. That sounds like "etching", which is very common in electropolishing if anything is out of the suggested range. Especially, it is universal if the current density is too low. What is your current density, and what acid concentration are you actually running?
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005
A. The matte finish sounds like 'frosting' to me. This sometimes happens with a lack of current or poor pre-treatment. Make sure the surface is very clean and free from oxides. I can't remember off the top of my head but I think a solution of about 60% Phosphoric acid, 30% Lactic acid and 10% sulfuric acid is about right. Give the parts about 10V for 2-3 minutes.
Chris Matthews- East Sussex, England
2005
Q. Dear friends, I want to know the material of the pads used in the Electropolisher's Anode?
Ranjit V Srivatsaa- Chennai, India
2005
Q. Is there a standard or a specification for electropolishing?
Bill Rooney- Milford, Massachusetts
2005
A. Hi Bill. ASTM B912 is a general one, Bill. But there are others for some particular industries, and there may even be one covering the particular industry or type of parts in question. Please expound on your situation. Thanks.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005
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