Glossary

Electropolishing is an electrochemical finishing process used to smooth, polish, and clean the surface of metal parts. Instead of removing material by mechanical grinding or sanding, it uses an electrical current in combination with a chemical electrolyte to dissolve a very thin layer of the metal’s surface. This process levels out microscopic peaks, reduces surface roughness, and leaves behind a bright, reflective, and clean finish.

During electropolishing, the metal part is connected as the positively charged anode and immersed in a specially formulated acid bath. A cathode (negatively charged electrode) is also placed in the solution. When electrical current passes through, the microscopic high points on the surface dissolve faster than the low points. As a result, the surface becomes smoother and more uniform at the microscopic level.

Electropolishing provides several advantages: it improves corrosion resistance by removing surface contaminants and embedded particles, reduces the risk of stress corrosion cracking, makes surfaces easier to clean, and enhances the appearance of the part with a shiny finish. It is often used for stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and other metals in industries such as medical device manufacturing, food processing, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals—where extremely clean, smooth, and passivated surfaces are critical.