Electropolishing of 316 L

[edgedislocation]

is there a better solution then phosphoric acid+sulfuric acid+lactic acid for electropolishing of 316L?

 

[EdStainless]

No.
Are you polishing for looks or for function?
I have found that the surface prep and acid control are the keys.

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[edgedislocation]

we make polishing for function.

 

[kenvlach]

For electropolishing SS, I like the 63 wt% H₃PO₄-15wt% H₂SO₄-22wt% H₂O solution. It has a very long bath life (just remove sludge as needed) & works over fairly wide ranges of temperature & current density.
One of Charles Faust's recipes, from US Patent 2,334,698 (1938).

How do you analyze for lactic acid?

 

[edgedislocation]

Our research-development department found this solution with numerous experiments. I started this job 1 month ago and they ask me to improve some of the processes like annealing and electropolishing. I dont have information about analyzing lactic acid, i t,hnk they dont have too

 

[EdStainless]

The real tricks for control of EP and getting high quality finish and good productivity are control.
Control of initial surface condition, temperature, current density, flow rates, and electrolyte chemistry.
We analyze and adjust our acid three times a week. We run slightly lower phos, about 55%.

Start by recording and tracking variables. Find out where you biggest problems are. The best acid in the world won't fix a bad process.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm