Electropolishing is a metal finishing process in which the surface of a component is refined via an electrochemical treatment. The metal part is immersed in an electrolyte bath and, with direct current applied, a controlled layer of material is dissolved, accomplishing the finish without the buffing or abrasive steps used in traditional polishing.

At High Purity Technology, we provide electropolishing services to take stainless steel and alloy components to their highest functional finish. The treatment strengthens corrosion resistance, improves the flow paths for liquids and gases, and ultimately, supports better system reliability and fewer maintenance concerns.

Why Electropolishing Makes a Difference

A surface defines how a part performs over time. Microscopic roughness offers opportunities for contaminating debris to settle on surfaces or initiate corrosion. Electropolishing levels out those peaks and valleys to form a smooth surface that does not easily permit the settling of contaminants.

Any process that moves liquids or gases, like that of pharmaceutical, semiconductor, or food processing facilities, depends on predictable flow and clean internal surfaces. A properly electropolished surface provides even flow and will not harbor buildup or decrease purity.

How the Process Works (at a High Level)

Although every component is distinct and requires its own parameters, the broad steps for our electropolishing services typically include:

1. Pre-cleaning: removing oils, machining debris, and surface contamination so that the electrochemical treatment proceeds effectively.
    
2. Immersion in an electrolyte bath: the component is submerged and connected as the anode under direct current. The electrolyte dissolves metal ions from the surface, particularly where high points and irregularities exist.
    
3. Rinsing, inspection and packaging: after the electrochemical treatment, the part is rinsed, often passivated, inspected, then packaged (in our case, in a Class 10,000 cleanroom) and certified. 

Electropolishing avoids some of the drawbacks of grinding/buffing such as embedding of debris or directional scratch marks by using electrochemical rather than abrasive removal.

What We Electropolish

Through our electropolishing services we process numerous different components, including tubing, fittings, tanks, racks, carts, tables, pumps, flanges, and assemblies. Parts come in all kinds of shapes and finishes, and the work changes with each batch. Some need minor correction to hit spec; others may need full surface refinement for high-purity use. We process both small precision pieces and large welded systems.

The Value of Our Electropolishing Services

A strong electropolishing job changes how metal behaves in use. You see it in the reflection, but the real difference shows later, in the way the part holds up. Surfaces that once caught and dragged now move cleanly. Welds blend in smoothly into surrounding metal. Corners and crevices no longer harbor residue, and corrosion has far fewer places to take hold.

Our team has spent years learning the exact finish a part needs and how to reach it without wearing the metal thin. The balance comes from practice, from knowing the current, the chemistry, and the timing. When it’s right, the surface feels settled and complete, ready to do its work. That is the point of what we do here at HPT.

Talk with HPT Today

Bring us your part or a problem you’re tired of chasing. We’ll evaluate it and explain what electropolishing can do for it. Our electropolishing services create a finish that holds through regular use and keeps the metal performing the way it’s meant to.

Contact Us Today