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What solution to use for electro polishing of surgical knives
August 12, 2009
Respected Sir,
We are manufacturing opthalmic surgical knives in Ahmedabad.
We want to develop electropolishing process for our product finishing. Presently we perform some trial with combination of phophoric acid, sulfuric acid and gylcrene but this solution is damage the cutting edge of knives and also the tip portion of the knive become very sharp and so that the tip is breaking during the surgery.
We want to know which type of chemical or solution would be preffer for our product.
buyer - Ahmedabad
What are the surgical knives made from?
Stainless Steel?
- Toledo, Ohio
August 13, 2009
Firstly, the type of electropolishing solution will be determined by the type of steel you are using. It seems it is probably stainless steel since you are using sulfuric/phosphoric acid systems, but it could also be carbon steel. Please specify your steel.
Secondly, electropolishing can result in a blunting of sharp edges, as you have experienced, so you really need to consider
"electrosharpening", which is a very similar technology but uses higher currents.
I would suggest that you dicuss your problem with your chemical supply house as they will have the best options available to you
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
August 15, 2009
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