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Electropolishing of Tungsten Carbide

March 7, 2022

Q. Hello,
We make precise tungsten carbide parts which are finished by lapping with diamond paste. We achieve finishes of Ra value of around 0.03 microns with this process, starting with an EDM microfinish of 0.1 microns.

I was wondering if it is possible to electropolish tungsten carbide parts (we have both nickel and cobalt binder based WC)

Geometrically, our parts are already in tolerance, and lapping is being done only to improve the surface finish, so if electropolishing can be done, then lapping may be eliminated.

We have already tried small experiments with NAOH electrolyte but it leaches the tungsten and leaves a dark/dull finish, which looks carbon based.

Any help or pointers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Gaurav Jain
- Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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