When you think of cleaning or polishing metals like stainless steel or aluminum, you may think about rubbing hard with a soft cloth and perhaps applying some wax or polishing material. This may work for cosmetic purposes, but some kinds of metals need a special method of cleaning and polishing which electropolishing on aluminum services can provide. Here is more about the process and its benefits.
What is Electropolishing?
Since simple polishing is not sufficient, a more efficient method was introduced in the mid 1970s and is still used today. In fact, the process is similar to electrocoating because it utilizes electric current and chemicals.
To start, the metal to be polished is carefully cleaned. This is done to obtain the brightest possible finish and requires the use of specialized equipment and skilled workers. Once the cleaning process is complete, the metal is placed in a chemical bath and an electric current is placed in the bath. This gradually removes tiny amounts of the metal’s surface and also removes any corrosion and material placed on the surface caused by wear and tear.
Electropolishing is an exact process and must follow special guidelines for safety. This means electropolishing on aluminum services must meet specific standards. It is important to choose a company with an ISO certification to ensure you are getting the best materials and services. ISO certified companies are held to high standards of quality and utilize a number of important quality driven standards in order to obtain this certification.
Why Electropolish?
Electropolishing can be very beneficial in a number of ways:
* Cosmetic – one of the biggest reasons for electropolishing is the attractive finish it produces. Your parts will shine brightly and represent your business well. People appreciate bright and shiny parts.
* Better corrosion resistance – most types of corrosion begin on the surface of the metal, so the cleaner the surface, the less corrosion. The process of manufacturing and fabricating can create a great deal of contaminants like grease, oil, and pieces of metal from cutting or welding. Routine polishing after machining can leave very tiny particles of metal embedded into the metal surface. This is why many people choose electropolishing on aluminum services. It can reduce the corrosive properties of parts while making them more attractive.
* Easier to clean – once your materials are electropolished they will be easier to clean, because contaminants are less likely to stick to the surface. This can drastically reduce the time it requires for cleaning. In addition, this process works well for deburring.
