Rectifiers for the Plating Industry
Published

Electropolishing Aluminum

What can you tell me about aluminum electropolishing?

Share

Q. What can you tell me about aluminum electropolishing? –M.N.

A. Electropolishing is typically associated with the finishing of stainless steel, however, aluminum can be electropolished as well. Electropolishing of aluminum is an excellent substitute for bright dipping, which produces chemical byproducts that are toxic. A basic primer on the process is available at pfonline.com/articles/electropolishing-as-a-pretreatment-for-anodizing

Electropolishing bath chemistry is based on a mixture of acids, but a process using sodium carbonate/trisodium phosphate is also used. A commercial formulation is:

Component Concentration
Sufuric acid 70% by volume
Phosphoric acid 15% by volume
Nitric acid 1% by volume
Water 14% by volume
Operating conditions Range
Temperature 165-185°F
Time 2-15 min
Voltage 10
ASF 30-50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More information is available in the ASM Metals Handbook, Volume 5, available from ASM International at asminternational.org. This book is expensive, but an excellent addition to your plating library.

 

Related Content

  • 3 Tests to Ensure Parts are Clean Prior to Plating

    Making sure that all of the pre-processing fluids are removed prior to plating is not as simple as it seems. Rich Held of Haviland Products outlines three tests that can help verify that your parts are clean.

  • Advantages to Pumped Eductor Agitation

    Not all agitation methods are created equally. Pumped agitation with eductor nozzles can improve process tanks and quickly show a reduction in operating costs while keeping staff safe, following environmental legislation and preventing pollution.

  • Products Finishing Reveals 2023 Qualifying Top Shops

    Each year PF conducts its Top Shops Benchmarking Survey, offering shops a tool to better understand their overall performance in the industry. The program also recognizes shops that meet a set of criteria to qualify as Top Shops. 

In-Place Repairs for Canning Presses
KCH Engineered Systems
Reduced Ion Electroless Nickel
FISCHERSCOPE® XAN® LIQUID ANALYZER
Rectifiers for the Plating Industry
Hitachi High-Tech FT200 series
Luster-On Products
Gardner Intelligence
Reduced Ion Electroless Nickel