There is an ever increasing demand for aluminum parts in all types of industries. You will find it used in the aerospace industry because of its high strength to weight ratio and in parts and components in electronics, the semiconductor industry and also in medical implants and devices.
In addition to being lightweight, strong and resistant to stress, it is also naturally cession resistant. Using specific types of metal finishing process can enhance this to create an even more corrosion resistant surface without altering any other properties.
In Massachusetts, different companies may offer different finishing options. One of the most often used because it allows for the removal of surface contaminants while also improving the quality of the surface is electropolishing on aluminum.
The use of electropolishing on aluminum provides a micro-finished, smooth surface that can be created to very tight tolerances. With the right equipment, experience and operators the process can be cost effective and designed to meet even the most exacting industry standards.
Alloy Considerations
Not all processing for electropolishing on aluminum is completed the same way. Different alloys are going to have different requirements. All aluminum alloys are either wrought or cast. The most important difference to keep in mind is that cast alloys have higher levels of silicon as one of the alloying ingredients. This creates as naturally rougher surface and more of a tendency to pitting even when the process has been completed.
The wrought alloys are ideal for electropolishing and when it is done correctly, will have an incredibly smooth surface. It will also be highly reflective and shiny, which is what most people think of when they hear the term electropolishing used with aluminum alloys.
While most alloys are going to create a bright surface that is very smooth, other alloys may have pitting or may have more of a gray or more satin type of finish regardless of the quality of the electroplating service.
Working with a top company familiar with commonly used and more industry specific aluminum alloys will be essential to know if electropolishing is the right method to use.
Keep in mind that electropolishing also provides deburring for the edges of the component or part. This will assist in preventing the need for additional grinding and deburring that would need to be completed as a separate step in the finishing process if other options were considered.
