Electrolytic polishing:
Electropolishing is a method that uses a temperature-controlled electrolyte bath and an electric current to dissolve the surface layers of a material. This method leaves only a smooth, flat surface. This method is commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as well as in semiconductor manufacturing.
The smoothness of this surface treatment makes the material almost completely non-stick, as most of the microscopic imperfections to which debris normally adheres have been removed. Some manufacturers use this method to smooth the threads of the material to prevent galling and binding.
Electropolishing materials are generally easy to clean due to the non-stick properties of the finished surface. This method can even eliminate thermal discoloration caused by spot welding.
The main advantages of this method include the ease with which it can be used on very difficult shapes and its speed of execution, which results in cost savings.
Passivation:
Passivation is somewhat similar to electropolishing. Passivation also involves the use of chemical baths. However, passivation does not involve using an electric current to strip away the top layer of material.
Passivation is mainly used to remove contaminants on the surface of stainless steel. Such contaminants sometimes accumulate during the manufacturing process.
Unlike electropolishing, passivation generally does not change the appearance of the passivated material.
An oxide layer does not necessarily form to protect stainless steel during the passivation process, but specific passivation treatments may thicken or change the composition of stainless steel’s protective oxide layer.
When passivating materials, it is important to understand the specific alloy of the stainless steel being treated. If you use the incorrect solution for passivation, you may damage the metal model instead of removing contaminants from it.
Which process is better?
Most of the time, electropolishing is faster, easier to adjust, and can be easily applied to a variety of stainless steel alloys. Additionally, it provides an excellent surface finish and eliminates discoloration left by passivation.
Although electropolishing has its own advantages, it is not always the better choice. Passivation has its own benefits, such as it can change the composition of the oxide layer that protects stainless steel from corrosion, which sometimes helps increase the corrosion resistance of the steel.
Depending on the purpose of the steel, you can choose to electropolishing or passivating the stainless steel. If your application requires a smooth, easy-to-clean, defect-free surface, then electropolishing will be your best choice. If you need a good way to remove surface contaminants while changing the metal’s corrosion resistance, passivation may be a better option for you.
Tianjin Anton Metal Manufacture Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in the production of various nickel-based alloys, Hastelloy alloys and high-temperature alloy materials. The company was established in 1989 with a registered capital of 10.0 million, specializing in the production and sales of alloy materials. Anton Metal’s products are widely used in aerospace, chemical industry, electric power, automobile, nuclear energy and other fields, and can also provide customized alloy material solutions according to customer needs. If you need to know the price consultation of alloy materials or provide customized alloy material solutions, please feel free to contact the sales staff.
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Post time: Feb-23-2024
