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Shadows in Electropolish

How can we prevent shadows from forming in certain areas of the larger parts that we electropolish?

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Q. Our company electropolishes a wide variety of parts. We tend to have problems with our larger parts in which certain areas appear to have what looks like a shadow on them. How can we prevent this problem?—D.C.

A. You have a problem with current distribution, and there are a few things you can try to solve it. The cathodes can be rearranged or you can use conforming cathodes to get better coverage of the part. Shields made of plastic can be placed around the high-current-density areas of the parts. You will have to experiment to determine which of these methods will work best for you.

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