{"id":232502,"date":"2025-07-21T19:10:30","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T19:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesnewswire.com\/?p=115880"},"modified":"2025-07-21T19:10:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T19:10:30","slug":"how-electropolishing-improves-plating-results-to-leave-plated-parts-more-durable-and-corrosion-resistant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipsnews.net\/business\/2025\/07\/21\/how-electropolishing-improves-plating-results-to-leave-plated-parts-more-durable-and-corrosion-resistant\/","title":{"rendered":"How Electropolishing Improves Plating Results to Leave Plated Parts More Durable and Corrosion Resistant"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Electropolishing is well known for the smooth and defect free surface finish it creates as the last step in the process of finishing metal parts, but its benefits are just as impressive when it is used to improve the surface of parts that will undergo the additional step of plating.<\/p>\n

Many different metal parts undergo plating with a coating of copper, nickel, brass, zinc or other metal to add strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance, friction reduction, and to improve appearance. But regardless of the plating being used, the quality of the finish prior to applying it is key to achieving the best results. When the underlying metal is smooth and free of defects, plating results are significantly improved.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Electropolishing for Plated Parts<\/h2>\n

Electropolishing<\/a>, sometimes described as \u201creverse electroplating,\u201d is an electro-chemical process that combines an electrolytic solution and an electrical current to remove a precise and consistent layer of surface material, stripping away surface imperfections and eliminating defects that include burrs and microcracks.<\/p>\n

The process leaves parts with an improved surface finish and improved resistance to corrosion, significant advantages for parts that will undergo plating. Parts that undergo electropolishing are left with a slight radius on the edges that serves to prevent plating material from building up.<\/p>\n

Electropolishing is effective for a wide range of alloys, including stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, Nitinol and titanium, among others.<\/p>\n

The Challenges of Plating Metal Parts with Inconsistent Surface Roughness<\/h2>\n

Without electropolishing, surface defects and roughness on metal parts can make it challenging to ensure a smooth coating of plating material and can also leave the coating susceptible to chipping or cracking.<\/p>\n

Microfinish Improvement and More<\/h2>\n

Unlike some mechanical finishing methods that create inconsistent areas of surface roughness, electropolishing\u2019s ultrasmooth surface finish enables a smooth application of the plating. Prior to plating, electropolishing offers numerous benefits:<\/p>\n