Electropolishing is a finishing technique for
stainless steel. It is an electrochemical
process similar to, but the reverse of,
electroplating. The Electropolishing process
smoothes and streamlines the microscopic surface
of the metal part.
Smoothness of the metal surface is one of the
primary and most advantageous effects of
electropolishing. During the process, a film of
varying thickness covers the surfaces of the
metal. The film is thickest over
microdepressions and thinnest over
microprojections. Electrical resistance is at a
minimum whenever the film is thinnest, resulting
in the greatest rate of metallic dissolution.
Electropolishing is the most effective treatment
of stainless steel to produce a uniform layer of
chromium-rich oxide resulting in a dramatically
enhanced corrosion resistance. There is no
MIL-SPEC for Electropolishing.
Electropolishing Benefits
- Levels metal's surface
- Can be applied to objects of complex shape
- Improves surface reflectivity and brightness
- Decarbonizes metals
- Removes heat tint and oxide scale |

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