Skip to content

Electropolishing

Our electropolishing process removes impurities, imperfections, and burrs from the surface of metal objects, replacing traditional mechanical polishing or buffing.

Request a Quote

 

precision controlled

The electropolishing process, also known as electrochemical polishing, dissolves surface imperfections down to the micron, leaving the surface clean and polished. We carefully formulate our electrolyte chemistries to ensure optimum results for stainless steel finishing.

electropolishing, polishing, corrosion resistance, passivation

Products Requiring Electropolishing

  • Medical implants and devices
  • Surgical instruments
  • Aerospace components
  • Precision electronic components
  • Light fittings
  • Cookware and utensils
  • Hydraulic fittings
  • Fasteners
  • Wire racks
  • Automotive parts

Results That Matter

Electropolishing removes subsurface contaminants that cause corrosion, providing an enhanced level of passivation (ASTM B912). This process offers these additional benefits.

Benefits of Electropolishing

  • Up to 30x corrosion resistance over passivation
  • No directional lines from abrasive polishing
  • Strips contaminants
  • Smooths surface imperfections
  • Uniform Luster
  • Meets tight tolerances
  • I.D. Polishing

Request a Quote

Surface Roughness Conversion Chart

Ra (micrometers) Ra (microinches) RMS CLA (N) Rt N Cut-off Length (in) Cut-off Length (mm)
0.025 1 1.1 1 .3 1 0.003 0.08
0.05 2 2.2 2 0.5 2 0.01 0.25
.1 4 4.4 4 0.8 3 0.01 0.25
.2 8 8.8 8 1.2 4 0.01 0.25
0.4 1.6 17.6 16 2.0 5 0.01 0.25
0.8 32 32.5 32 4.0 6 0.03 0.8
1.6 63 64.3 53 8.0 7 0.03 0.8
3.2 125 137.5 125 13 8 0.1 2.5
6.3 250 275 250 25 9 0.1 2.5
12.5 500 550 500 50 10 0.1 2.5
25.0 1000 1100 1000 100 11 0.3 8.0
50.0 2000 2200 2000 200 12 0.3 8.0
Ra = Roughness Average in micrometers or microinches.
RMS = Root Mean Square in microinches.
CLA = Center Line Average in microinches.
Rt = Roughness Total in microns
N = New ISO (grade) scale numbers.
Cut-off Length = Length required for sample.

FAQs

The reverse plating process often called “electropolishing” is also referred to as electrochemical polishing, anodic polishing, electrolytic polishing, or EP.

The electropolishing process involves an electrical current passing through stainless steel or alloy parts submerged in a sulfuric or phosphoric acid bath mixture to remove a thin metal surface layer.

  • Polishes areas inaccessible by other polishing methods
  • Improves surface reflectivity and brightness
  • Levels micro peaks and valleys for better sterilization (roughly 20-40 micrometers thick)
  • Removes surface iron and enhances the chromium/nickel content
  • Slightly reduces the part size, if necessary
  • Provides a corrosion-resistant surface
  • Removes surface discoloration from heat treating and/or oxidation

AC7000 – AUDIT CRITERIA FOR NADCAP ACCREDITATION

AC7108 REV I – NADCAP Audit Criteria for Chemical Processing

  • AC7108 Anodize; Hard Anodize and Sulfuric Anodize (Not for Metal Bond) – AC7108/8 must also be selected
  • AC7108 Chromate (non-hexavalent)
  • AC7108 Passivation
  • AC7108 Electropolish
  • AC7108 Standalone Cleaning
  • AC7108 Descaling
  • AC7108 Solution Analysis & Testing – AC7108/4 must also be selected
  • General Cleaning & Pre-Cleaning
  • Alkaline Cleaning
  • Chemical Cleaning
  • Titanium Cleaning
  • Emulsion Cleaning
  • Semi-Aqueous Cleaning
  • Solvent Cleaning
  • Ovens for Thermal Treatments – Heat Processing; Part Dying
  • Stripping of Coatings
  • Inorganic Coatings
  • Other Stripping

AC7108/4 REV C – NADCAP Audit Criteria for Solution Analysis and Testing in Support of Chemical Processing to AC7108

  • Solution Analysis (In Support of AC7108)
  • Testing Performed Internally (In Support of the Chemical Process Accreditation)
  • B05 – Salt Spray Testing (In Support of Chemical Process Accreditation)
  • B06 – Water Immersion / Humidity Testing (In Support of AC7108)
  • B09 – Taber Wear Testing (In Support of AC7108)
  • B10 – Adhesion Testing (In Support of AC7108)
  • B13 – Coating Weight Testing(In Support of AC7108)
  • B 14 – Conductivity Testing (In Support of AC7108)
  • B15 – Resistivity Testing (In Support of AC7108)
  • B16 – Coating Thickness Measurement (In Support of AC7108)
  • B23 – Other Testing (In Support of AC7108)

AC7108/8 – NADCAP Audit Criteria for Anodizing (Not for Metal Bond)

  • Anodized Aluminum, Hard Anodize
  • Anodize Aluminum, Sulfuric Acid
  • Dye
  • Seal

AC7108/11 – NADCAP Audit Criteria for Conversion Coating

  • Aluminum, Non-Hexavalent Chrome Alternatives

AC7108/12 REV A – NADCAP Audit Criteria for Standalone Cleaning, Descaling, Passivation, and Electropolishing

  • Passivation

Electropolishing reduces surface irregularities and micro-level peaks and valleys, leading to a smoother and more uniform surface with a lower RA value. Typically, RA values can be reduced by 10 to 30 microinches or more, depending on the material and initial surface condition.

Electropolishing is commonly used for stainless steel.

Electropolishing may not be suitable for components with intricate internal passages, as the process primarily affects external surfaces. It may also not be suitable for all metals and alloys, so a feasibility study is recommended.

To determine the expected RA improvement, you should consult with our electropolishing experts at Arrow. We can evaluate your part’s current condition and provide a more accurate estimate of the improvement achievable through electropolishing.

Electropolishing is effective for a wide range of Stainless-Steel metal components, but its suitability depends on factors such as the geometry, size, and material of the part. It’s best to consult with our electropolishing experts at Arrow for specific recommendations.

Electropolishing Specs

ASTM B912-02 1.1 This specification covers the passivation of stainless steel alloys in the 200 (UNS2XXXX), 300 (UNS3XXXX), and 400 (UNS4XXXX) series, and the precipitation-hardened alloys, using electropolishing procedures 6. Test Procedures 6.1 Water Immersion Test (Specification A967/A967M)— The article(s) shall be alternately immersed in distilled water for 1 h, then allowed to dry for 1 h for twelve wet-dry cycles (24 h total). Failure is indicated by the presence of red rust or staining as a result of the presence of free iron on the surface. 6.2 Humidity Test (Practice A380/A380M, Specification A967/A967M)—The article(s) shall be subjected to 100 % humidity at 38 6 2°C in a suitable humidity cabinet for a period of 24 h. Failure is indicated by the presence of red rust or staining as a result of the presence of free iron on the surface. 6.3 Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (Practice B117 (ISO 9227))— The article(s) shall be subjected to the prescribed test for a minimum of 2 h in an accredited cabinet. Failure is indicated by the presence of red rust or staining as a result of the presence of free iron on the surface. 6.4 Copper Sulfate Test (Practice A380/A380M, Specification A967/A967M)—See Appendix X2. The article is swabbed with an acidified solution of copper sulfate. Failure is indicated by the presence of a copper-colored deposit or copper-colored spots, or both. This test is not to be used on martensitic 400 series stainless steels.
ES2005 Rev A (Parker Hanifin Quick Coupler Division) 2.3 The Electropolish process in this spec shall be primarily used to improve appearance and corrosion resistance. 2.4 Unless otherwise specified on the drawing, the material removal shall be .0002" to .0004". 3.1 Parts to be electropolished shall be cleaned by any method that leaves the parts free of oil, grease, rust, scale or other foreign matter without adverserly affecting the base material. 3.2 Electrpolishing may be accomplished by any applicable process provided the finsed product meets the requirements of this spec. 3.3 An electropolished partshall have a smooth, high lustre, uniformly bright surface, free of surface contamination, residual solution and solution stain. 3.4 An electropolished part shall be capable of meeting the applicable quality assurance provision of QQ-P-35C (superceded by ASTM A967-17).ASTM A967-17 Testing Methods we offer-13.3.1 Practice A—Water Immersion Test (see 14.1), 13.3.2 Practice B—High Humidity Test (see 14.2), 13.3.3 Practice C—Salt Spray Test (see 14.3), 13.3.4 Practice D—Copper Sulfate Test (see 14.4)

Industries

Your Single Source of Total Solutions

We look beyond today to increase efficiency and serve your business.

Technician weighing pills

Medical

Learn about Medical

We finish your materials within tight tolerances to meet exacting quality and regulatory demands.

A soldier saluting

Military

Learn about Military

Defense contractors rely on our anodizing, laser-marking, descaling, and other services to meet military specifications.

Aerospace technician with a turbine engine

Aerospace

Learn about Aerospace

We offer a range of finishing services for aerospace components and maintain NADCAP certification

Manufacturing

Precision Manufacturing

Learn about Precision Manufacturing

CNC manufacturers rely on our services to complete final finishing.

Pharmacy tech checking data

Pharmaceutical

Learn about Pharmaceutical

We innovate processes in the science and art of finishing precision-engineered pharmaceutical components.

Water treatment facility

Water Purification

Learn about Water Purification

Our services for finishing water-system components include cryogenic deflashing, passivation, and laser marking.

Automotive factory

Automotive

Learn about Automotive

Our precision capabilities handle high-volume jobs for automotive OEMs.

Server room

Computing

Learn about Computing

We offer anodizing and laser marking of components and enclosures for computers and audio equipment.

Technician soldering components

Electronics

Learn about Electronics

Our finishing services meet critical tolerances for metal and plastic parts made for consumer electronics.

Food service conveyor

Food Service

Learn about Food Service

Our cleaning and finishing services meet strict regulatory requirements while enhancing performance and longevity.

Hydraulic machines

Hydraulics

Learn about Hydraulics

Our deburring, deflashing, and other services optimize the operating life of hydraulic equipment.

firearm-finishing-hardcoat

Firearms

Learn about Firearms

Our suite of capabilities delivers precise results producing the highest quality finishes.

NADCAP Certified

Regular NADCAP reviews and audits ensure compliance with AC7004 requirements for the aircraft, space, and defense Industry.

Nadcap Administered by PRI Accredited
ISO 9001:2015
TUV logo
Thomas logo
ATFE logo
ITAR logo
NSSF - The Firearm Industry Trade Association
NADCA - North American Die Casting Association
MPMA - Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association

Our Certifications About Industries

End-to-End

Finished Means Finished. Done

We eliminate the need for your parts to go elsewhere.

A conveyor belt carrying unfinished parts through a box with the Arrow Cryogenics logo, and when after the parts pass through, they are deburred and clean.