Also called Electrolytic Polishing, the scientific methodology behind electropolishing follows below:

Step 1:

The metallic object is submersed in an electrolytic solution.

Step 2:

A direct electrical current is run through the solution so that the metallic object becomes the anode in an electrolytic reaction and a nearby metal conductor becomes the cathode.

Step 3:

Polarized surface film covers the surfaces of the metal due to the electrolytic reaction. The thickness of this film determines the rate of metallic dissolution. Where the film is thicker, the electrical resistance is higher, and therefore the rate of dissolution is much lower.

Step 4:

The film is thicker over indents in a metal than it is over protrusions in a metal. As a result, a metal's microprojections are dissolved at a much higher pace than its corresponding microdepressions.

Step 5:

All excess metal is removed as metallic salt, leaving a surface that is microscopically smooth and free of any blemishes.

Electropolishing Specifications applicable to work done by Electro-Kleen

  • ASTM B912-02 Standard Specification for Passivation of Stainless Steels Using Electropolishing