WHAT IS ELECTROPOLISHING?
The Reverse of Plating — Material Removal at the Atomic Level
Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that selectively removes material from metal surfaces, creating ultra-smooth, mirror-bright finishes.
How It Works: The part becomes the anode in an electrolytic cell. When current is applied, metal ions are dissolved from the surface — starting with high points (peaks, burrs, sharp edges) and leaving valleys intact.
High Contrast: Machine-readable codes (Data Matrix, QR) for automated scanning.
The Result:
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Microscopically smooth surfaces (Ra values to 2-5 microinches)
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Complete removal of burrs, tool marks, and surface defects
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Enhanced corrosion resistance
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Improved cleanability
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Biocompatible surfaces for medical devices
Unlike mechanical polishing (which smears material), electropolishing actually removes it — creating true surface smoothness at the atomic level.
BENEFITS OF ELECTROPOLISHING
Why Manufacturers Choose Electropolishing
MIRROR-SMOOTH FINISH
Achieve surface finishes impossible with mechanical methods. Reflectivity approaching mirror quality with Ra values of 2-5 microinches.
MICRO-DEBURRING
Remove burrs from complex geometries, internal passages, and intersecting holes that hand tools can't reach. Perfect for hydraulic manifolds, surgical instruments, and precision assemblies.
ENHANCED CORROSION RESISTANCE
Removes embedded iron and creates a uniform chromium oxide layer for maximum protection. Often combined with passivation for optimal results.
INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING
Hydraulic components, valves, precision fittings, tools, molds. Marks that survive harsh production environments and years of service.
IMPROVED CLEANABILITY
Ultra-smooth surfaces resist bacterial adhesion and clean more easily — critical for medical devices and food processing equipment.
NO DIMENSIONAL CHANGE
Material removal is measured in microns (typically 0.0005" - 0.002"). Tight tolerances maintained.
REACHES EVERYWHERE
Electrolyte flows into every surface the liquid touches — internal passages, blind holes, complex geometries. No line-of-sight limitations.
STRESS-FREE SURFACE
Unlike mechanical methods that introduce stress, electropolishing creates stress-free surfaces that resist fatigue and cracking.
APPLICATIONS & INDUSTRIES
MEDICAL DEVICES
Surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, cardiovascular devices, dental tools. Biocompatible surfaces that resist corrosion, enhance cleanability, and meet FDA requirements.
AEROSPACE & AUTOMOTIVE
Fuel injectors, hydraulic manifolds, turbine components, brake calipers. Improved flow characteristics, reduced friction, superior corrosion resistance.
PHARMACEUTICAL & FOOD PROCESSING
Tanks, piping, valves, fittings, process equipment. Ultra-clean surfaces that meet FDA and 3-A standards.
INDUSTRIAL & HYDRAULICS
Cylinders, valves, manifolds, precision fittings. Deburred internal passages for optimal fluid flow and extended service life.
WHAT WE ELECTROPOLISH
Materials & Configurations
MATERIALS:
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Stainless steel (all grades: 300 series, 400 series, precipitation hardening)
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Titanium and titanium alloys
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Aluminum alloys
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Copper and brass
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Nickel alloys (Inconel, Hastelloy)
PART TYPES:
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Surgical instruments and implants
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Hydraulic manifolds and valves
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Fuel injectors and nozzles
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Fittings and adapters
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Precision assemblies
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Custom components
SIZE RANGE:
Small precision parts to large assemblies. Contact us for specific size capabilities.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ASTM B912 Certified Process
✓ Standard: - ASTM B912 (Standard Specification for Passivation of Stainless Steels Using Electropolishing)
✓ Material Removal - 0.0005" to 0.002" typical (controlled per customer requirements)
✓ Surface Finish- Ra 2-5 microinches achievable
✓ Certifications - ISO 13485, AS9100D, ISO 9001
✓ Volume - Prototype through production quantities
✓ Documentation - Certificate of Conformance with process parameters and material traceability
ELECTROPOLISHING VS. OTHER METHODS
Why Choose Electropolishing?
VS. MECHANICAL POLISHING:
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No abrasives or media
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No smeared material
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Reaches internal passages
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Stress-free surface
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Consistent results
VS. PASSIVATION ALONE:
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Removes burrs and defects (passivation doesn't)
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Creates smoother surface
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Better corrosion resistance
VS. CHEMICAL ETCHING:
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More controlled material removal
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Better surface finish
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No hydrogen embrittlement
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Superior uniformity
BEST PRACTICE:
Electropolish first (for smoothness and deburring), then passivate (for maximum corrosion protection).
INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING
Complete Manufacturing Solutions
Machine → Mark→ Electropolish → Passivate
✓ CNC machine your components to specification
✓ Laser mark for permanent traceability
✓ Electropolish for mirror finish and deburring
✓ Passivate for maximum corrosion protection
Result: One vendor. One quality system. One certificate package. Faster delivery. Better quality control.
READY FOR MIRROR-SMOOTH SURFACES?
Request an electropolishing quote today. Send us your prints and we'll provide recommendations for optimal results.
Call: 239-272-7850
Email: bill@atomicmachine.com | info@atomicmachine.com
Visit: 1236 Industrial Blvd, Naples, FL 34104
ASTM B912 Certified | ISO 13485 | AS9100D
FAQ
Common Electropolishing Questions
Q: How much material does electropolishing remove? A: Typically 0.0005" to 0.002" (0.5 to 2 thousandths). We control removal to maintain your tolerances.
Q: Can you electropolish laser-marked parts? A: Yes, but marks may be slightly lightened. We recommend marking AFTER electropolishing for maximum contrast.
Q: Does electropolishing improve corrosion resistance? A: Yes. By removing embedded iron and creating a smoother surface, electropolishing significantly enhances corrosion resistance. Combined with passivation, it provides maximum protection.
Q: Can electropolishing reach internal passages? A: Yes. If electrolyte can flow through it, electropolishing can treat it. Perfect for deburring hydraulic manifolds, fuel injectors, and complex geometries.
Q: What's the turnaround time? A: Typical turnaround is 7-10 business days. Rush service available for urgent needs.