MEETING PROTOTYPING REQUIREMENTS WITH ELECTROPOLISHING

The prototyping of metal parts is a critical step when launching a new component or assembly. Continual advancements in technology allow design engineers to create prototypes that closer resemble the finished part. To reduce time and cost for development, electropolishing is utilized to give the parts a smooth, clean and decorative finish that makes the product presentable. Able Electropolishing provides the finishing treatment and enhancements required to expedite the products’ speed-to-market.

WHAT PROTOTYPING METHODS UTILIZE ELECTROPOLISHING?

Companies need a quick means of establishing a final surface finish when producing prototype parts. Electropolishing can create the ideal finish for these metal parts by deburring edges, enhancing corrosion resistance and providing microfinish improvement. At Able, we commonly process parts for the medical, dental, automotive and aerospace industries created through the following prototyping methods:

// DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING // 3D PRINTING Rapidly builds up and fuses layers of metal powder together An additive manufacturing process in which successive layers into a solid part without tooling of material are laid down to create metal parts. // PHOTOCHEMICAL MACHINING // LASER CUTTING Creates detailed and thin metal parts Employs a light beam to cut out metal parts using a CAD file and CNC parameters to guide the operation // METAL INJECTION MOLDING Utilizes finely powdered metals and binding materials that are // METAL STAMPING ultimately fused together by sintering Uses a press and die to form metal into desired shapes // ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING Creates uniquely shaped metal parts by using a wire emitting electrical discharges

THE EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS OF ELECTROPOLISHING METAL PARTS

Many companies utilize electropolishing for the many enhancements it provides, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Electropolishing offers various benefits, including:

// CORROSION RESISTANCE // EDGE RADIUS/DEBURRING // MICROFINISH IMPROVEMENT // DECORATIVE FINISH // ULTRACLEANING ableelectropolishing.com [email protected] 888.868.2900 ONE VENDOR FOR ELECTROPOLISHING, LASER MARKING, AND PASSIVATING

ENHANCING YOUR METAL PARTS WITH ELECTROPOLISHING

Also referred to as “reverse plating,” electropolishing is an effective process for enhancing a parts’ performance and longevity. Following this unique metal finishing process, parts benefit from: // CORROSION RESISTANCE Over time, untreated metal parts can develop corrosion. Electropolishing can create a smooth surface that eliminates initiation sites where corrosion can develop on metal parts. OTHER SERVICES WE PROVIDE // ULTRACLEANING // PASSIVATION When metal parts need to be free of surface contaminants and Passivation is commonly used to remove free iron from debris, electropolishing is the ideal solution. Electropolished the surface of stainless steel. However, it does not remove parts are passive and free of foreign materials—which is nec- oxide scale or provide a brightened appearance like essary for medical applications. electropolishing does. // EDGE RADIUS/DEBURRING // TITANIUM COLOR ANODIZING Left untreated, metal parts could have sharp edges that could This process is used not only to create a decorative be harmful to patients. Electropolishing can smooth these finish, but also as a means of color coding for product or edges, effectively deburring the metal parts and making them size identification. safe for use. // CUSTOM PACKAGING // MICROFINISH IMPROVEMENT We have numerous special packaging options for you to While not visible to the human eye, untreated metal parts could choose, including sealing in nitrogen purged bags. Working have micro imperfections, like cracks and defects that could together, we should be able to meet your specifications for potentially compromise their safety and longevity. packaging your finished parts.

ABOUT ABLE

A pioneer in electropolishing and metal improvement technologies, Able Electropolishing has become America’s largest electropolishing specialist, employing more than 150 people on three shifts at our 40,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility in Chicago, Ill. Thousands of companies in nearly every industry worldwide utilize Able technology for their metal parts.

Our entire company is tuned to the concept of doing the job right the first time. We have long recognized that metal finishing is the “last step” for many companies designing and producing metal parts, and we are often the lifeline for companies faced with assembly line shutdowns due to parts that are late or malfunctioning. Being part of the solution and meeting tough deadlines has established Able as the preferred vendor for so many companies.

ableelectropolishing.com [email protected] 888.868.2900