Q&A

What is electropolishing?

Electropolishing is an anodic process that polishes the surface of metals, providing them with a homogenous appearance and improves their durability against rust. Surface treatments for these metals are comprised of two actions, chemical and electrical. Electropolishing provides better results and is cheaper than mechanical or manual polishing.



    
Why is it called an electrochemical process?

It is called an electrochemical process because it includes two actions that are performed simultaneously, chemical and electrical, inside an electrolyte, which is an acid solution.



    
How smooth is the surface created by electropolishing?

Electropolishing treats metals, it doesn't creae coating. Therefore, a surface that has undergone this treatment could be physically damaged just like the metal on which the process was performed could be damaged. However, the surface of metals that has been electropolished is more durable against rust, and a metal piece that has been electropolished will be durable for a longer period of time in surroundings where corrosion might be created.



    
How much material does electropolishing remove from the surface of metals?

The amount of material that is removed during the electropolishing process depends directly on the duration of the process. Therefore, the amount of material that is removed from the surface can be controlled. Typically, 0.0003 to 0.0007 of material is removed during the process.



    
Which standards does Limat’s electropolishing meet?

Electropolishing and other metal surface treatments are performed under the following American and international standards: QQ-P35, F-1089, ASTM-B 912-02, ASTM-A967. Limat meets the requirements of ISO9001-2000 and is certified by the Israel Standards Institute.



    
In which industries is Limat’s electropolishing process implemented?

Limat performs electropolishing for mostly metal pieces in the following industries:

1. Medicine – the pharmaceutics industry, medical equipment, implants and the industry of different standards for internal and external treatments.
2. Water Industry – manufacturing water purification systems, waste management and more.
3. Hospitals, labs, research labs – the industry of manufacturing and maintenance of stainless steel for labs.
4. Microelectronics industry – manufacturing furniture and accessories for clean rooms.
5. Food industry – food processing and production equipment for meet, milk and more.
6. Advanced industries – manufacturing parts for electronic systems, (solar) energy, electricity, vacuum and more.
7. Industrial design – in the field of machines, the car industry, furniture, equipment, kitchens, sanitation and more.
8. Architecture and design – using the technology for finishing the surface of metals in the field of architecture, internal and external design.
9. Metal Industries – processing and manufacturing parts and products.

    
How long does it take Limat to respond to electropolishing orders?

The time it takes Limat to respond to new orders depends mostly on the size of the pieces that are to be electropolished. For small pieces the time frame moves from a day to three days, while the time frame for bigger parts moves a week to ten days.



    
What are the main advantages of electropolishing over other metal surface treatments?

• Brilliant and strong protection – smooth, brilliant and corrosion resistant surface in one process.
• Deep passivation – the resulting passive coating is deeper than other passivation processes.
• Cleaner, smoother surface – the process removes bumps and rounds out sharp corners.
• Control over the process – the volume of the process and its position can be controlled.
• Electropolishing doesn't strain the surface, as opposed to mechanical polishing.
• Any size you want – electropolishing can be applied to metal surfaces of all sizes..