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Small scale electropolishing

2004

Hello,

I am seeking "how-to" info on small scale electropolishing. I have been anodizing as a hobby for quite some time now and would love to be able to add electropolishing of aluminum and stainless steel to my hobby shop. I would like to start out with about a 2 to 5 gallon setup. My main points of interest right now are: chemicals required, current densities, voltage, time, and disposal. If the electropolishing bath make up is not something that I can mix myself then where could I buy the chemicals in small quantities? Any info that would be beneficial for me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jason Suttle
hobbyist - Forest City, North Carolina

I think you should buy a book about electroplating. It will surely cover you area of interest. Now, answering your post briefly: Voltages range from 6 to 12V (reverse), Current density (depending on chemistry) from 50 up to even 500 ASF or more. Temperatures, rack design and agitation are critical issues. Chemistries will be totally dependent on the type of metal that you want to electropolish, but most probably you will be dealing with phosphoric, sulfuric or organic acids .

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004

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Al Salamo Alikom, from my point of experience with stainless steel 316L you need Voltage range from 6 to 12V temperature 60 to 80C the Electrolyte consists of phosphoric, sulfuric, Hydrochloric acids and some other additives.The electrolyte should not be in a stand still add a system for moving it.time depend on products trials .products should be cleaned very well by a small Ultrasonic cleaner and after Electropolishing and washing do passivation in Nitric or sulfuric acid 60% concentration for about 30 to 45 minutes

Khaled Galal
- Cairo, Egypt
2004