Introduction to the principle of electropolishing

Electrolytic polishing is a process based on a controlled electrochemical reaction. It uses a polishing electrolyte, an electric current and a metal electrode or tool. It is preferred for polishing a variety of materials, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, brass and other non-ferrous metals.

The electrolyte used in electrolytic polishing is either an aqueous or alkaline solution. The electrolyte may contain a variety of additives, such as nitric acid, citric acid, phosphates, and iron sulfate, to achieve the desired effect. The electrolyte acts as an active medium to carry the electric current to the metal surface.

When the electrolyte is applied to the material surface, ions in the electrolyte carry current to the metal surface. The current causes a chemical reaction between the electrolyte and the metal surface, which changes the surface of the metal.

The process of electrolytic polishing involves the use of a power supply to generate the electric current through the electrolyte. The power supply can either be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). The current is applied to the metal surface at a controlled voltage and current. The current causes the ions in the electrolyte to react with the metal surface which creates a uniform surface.

The metal electrode or tool used in electrolytic polishing varies depending on the material to be polished and the desired finish. It is either a metal brush or a polishing wheel. The shape and size of the metal material determines the type of electrode to be used. The electrodes can be either flat or curved.

The polishing time depends on the current and voltage used as well as the type of material to be polished. Generally, faster current and larger voltages will shorten the polishing time while slower current with smaller voltages will increase the polishing time.

The advantage of electroplating is that it can produce a high degree of brightness and clarity on the metal surface. In addition, the polishing process eliminates scratches, pits and other imperfections. The polishing process is faster than the manual polishing process, so it is used in industries that require rapid production.

The disadvantage of electroplating is that it is not applicable to all materials. For example, it cannot be used on ferrous metals such as iron and steel. In addition, the polishing time is dependent on the current used which can cause it to take longer to achieve the desired finish.

Overall, electrolytic polishing is an effective process for achieving a smooth and shining surface on a variety of metals and materials. The process is fast and efficient and can produce higher degrees of brightness.

Electrochemical polishing is a method of material surface treatment technology. It is a combination of electrochemical dissolution and mechanical polishing. It uses the principle of electrolysis to selectively dissolve the part at a controlled rate, and at the same time extrude the metal from the surface by the action of the mechanical force. This method can produce smooth and bright surfaces with different shapes, and can also reduce the surface roughness and improve the surface finish.

The Electrochemical polishing method includes several steps: cleaning and pretreatment, electroplating and current setting, electrolysis of metal objects and parts, surface refinement, and rinsing and drying. In the cleaning and pretreatment process, the surface of the metal parts is pretreated by cleaning and degreasing to remove oxide scales, oil stains and other impurities, which can reduce the electrolysis rate.

In the Proslat phase, the metal objects are plated with a layer of metal to reduce the electrochemistry rate and prevent the surface damage caused by short circuits. After that, the current is set, usually 4~10A, and then it enters the electrolysis process. During electrolysis, the metal ions at the edge of the surface are gradually removed by electromigration, and the metal near the surface layer is diffused away, thus the surface is polished in the process.

Finally, the surface of the parts is refined by mechanical force, which can reduce the surface roughness. The parts are completely discharged from the electrolyte and dried, and the polishing process is completed.

Electrochemical Polishing technology is widely used nowadays. This technology has the advantages of quick operation speed, low pollution, high efficiency, and low cost. It is widely used in reducing surface roughness of metal parts, and can also be used to polish the horn and shape of metal parts.