Rototime News: White Page 2016 Electropolishing Gearbox Benefits Machine Elegance and Meets FDA Food Safety Standards Properly made gearbox will not shelter bacteria, but an Electropolished Stainless Steel gearbox will provide the most forward thinking and practical solution for any industry. Electropolishing: The electrochemical removal of metal impurities (carbon, silica, and free iron) from a stainless steel surface. The goal is a smooth surface, devoid of burrs or crevices that attract and trap contaminants (mirror finish). Electropolishing process removes only a very thin surface layer (typically between 0.001″ and 0.0001Prior to electropolishing, parts are mechanically prepared to ensure optimal results. All welds are ground, deburred, and inspected to ensure that all seams are free of pockets or gaps. Finally, selected surfaces are mechanically buffed to a smooth finish. Next, the part is fitted with electrodes, immersed in an electrolyte solution, and subjected to a direct electrical current. During this electrolytic process, the metallic surface of the anodic part (in this case, stainless steel) is preferentially dissolved ion by ion, yielding a nickel- and chromium-rich surface that protects against metal fatigue or contamination. Optimal results depend on careful control over the current density, the precise chemical composition of the electrolytic solution, the temperature and agitation of the bath, and the duration of current exposure. Unlike mechanically finished stainless steel, electropolished surfaces feature no fine directional lines and hence offer less friction and surface drag. The chromium-rich surface results in excellent light reflection, yielding a bright, smooth and uniform polish. Stainless Steel: The. …Read More
