Summary for electropolishing solutions Discussion
Electropolishing solutions are discussed in the context of two different applications. Anand asked how to set up an acid-type electropolishing process for aluminum reflectors and asked for suitable process parameters. Ted Mooney replied that proprietary bright-dipping solutions exist, but the nitric/phosphoric systems he mentioned are actually for bright dipping, not electropolishing; he corrected himself and noted that electropolishing solutions are less harsh, though they may not suit every reflector application. He advised consulting ASM Metals Handbook, Vol. 5, Surface Engineering, and older issues of Metal Finishing and Plating & Surface Finishing. In a later question, Anil asked whether electropolishing could remove feed lines and tool marks from heart valve components. Ted said he could not address medical or regulatory issues, but explained that electropolishing can greatly improve surface quality, and that a mechanical polish first followed by electropolishing is often the best approach.
Q. Hi, I am Anand here I am from India, Bangalore. I am an Hard anodizer, I now want to establish electropolishing Process for reflectors. Please advice regarding this. Basically I want to establish acid type electropolishing as it gives mirror finish
.please suggest me the suitable process and their parameters.
with regards,
Anand Kumar R.
metal technologies – Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2005
A. Proprietary bright dipping solutions are available, or try researching the term “R5”, which I think was an Alcoa trade name. The required solutions are based on nitric and phosphoric acid, evolve a lot of nitric oxides, operate at about 200 °F, and are thoroughly nasty. Don’t attempt to install this until you have seen an installation and understand the issues. It is not something you drop into an existing tank with lip-type exhaust. Rather it’s a process that you use with a fully enclosing (garage type or lab type) hood, double-walled tank, and carefully designed fume scrubber.
Oops! I misread. You did say electropolishing rather than bright dipping, didn’t you. Those solutions are less repugnant, but may not be suitable for all of your reflectors. Of the general metal finishing textbooks, I think ASM Metals Handbook, Vol. 5, Surface Engineering will be most helpful. I’m sure there are published articles on this in old issues of Metal Finishing and Plating & Surface Finishing as well.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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2005
Q. I am manufacturing orthodontic brackets from 17-4 ph MIM feed stock. Can I polish this via electropolish?
paul jacob
orthodontics – San Diego, California
April 11, 2009
A. Hi, Paul. Yes, electropolishing can be used for orthodontics, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t want to mechanically polish first.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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April 14, 2009
Q. Hi, I am Anil,
Can we use Electro polishing process for the heart valve components to remove the feed lines, tool marks and achieve good surface finish?
Anil
Anil Kumar Tatuskar
– Bangalore, India
February 26, 2010
A. Hi, Anil. I can’t comment on medical implications or regulatory requirements, but electropolishing improves the quality of the surface finish, changing it from a “plowed field” structure to an “ocean swell”. You’ll probably want to mechanically polish first, and finish off with electropolishing.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
February 26, 2010
July 25, 2012
Hi Ted,
Thanks for the reply, though I have left the company where I could use your suggestion. Currently I am in another industry in Japan.
Regards,
Anil
Anil Kumar Tatuskar
– Kobe, Hyogo, Japan