Pitting on Electropolished 316 Stainless Steel
Question: What are some causes for pitting of 316-SS when it is electropolished?
Question:
What are some causes for pitting of 316-SS when it is electropolished? B. B.
Answer:
Two of the most likely causes for this behavior are substrate problems and cleaning of the substrate prior to electropolishing. In the former category are inclusions that can occur during the milling process or localized overheating during the machining process.
If the cleaning step is at fault, you must review your cleaning process steps and confirm that the cleaning materials are not “over the hill.” One of the most common problems of metal finishing is the lack of attention to the cleaning process. Assuming your cleaning process is satisfactory, try dipping the part in concentrated nitric acid before the electropolishing step.
Related Content
-
Innovation in Plating on Plastic
Plating on advanced plastics solution offers improved adhesion, temperature resistance and cost savings.
-
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.
-
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.
