Able Electropolishing
We have tight controls over material removal and can find creative and unique ways to make electrical contact to a part depending on part configuration, critical areas and customer goals.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 22, 2013
Since its inception, the ASTM B912 Standard Specification for Passivation of Stainless Steels Using Electropolishing has been a go-to industry standard. Able Electropolishing, a Chicago-based electropolisher of stainless steels since 1954, is fully capable of processing parts in accordance to this specification. They provide certifications regularly for parts used in a wide range of industries.
The ASTM B912 specification encompasses electropolishing different stainless steels (in order to passivate) including 200 series, 300 series, 400 series and precipitation-hardened alloys. The recently re-evaluated and approved specification aligns with Able’s process from start to finish including pre-cleaning operations, electropolishing, post cleaning, testing for corrosion resistance and packaging. In addition to the individual steps of the process, the specification covers byproducts of the electropolishing process including contact marks, stock removal and typical appearance of a properly electropolished part. “The spec. gives general guidelines for product requirements and how to order electropolishing, however, it’s always important to discuss the details of the customer’s specific requirements prior to processing a full production order,” said Matt Van Acker, Account Manager at Able Electropolishing. Sales Manager Scott Potter added, “We have tight controls over material removal and can find creative and unique ways to make electrical contact to a part depending on part configuration, critical areas and customer goals. We offer to process sample parts to solidify processing parameters and make sure all of our ducks are in a row prior to a production run.”
Able offers in-house testing per sections 6.4 (Copper Sulfate Testing) and 6.5 (Ferroxyl Testing) of the spec. and works with outside labs that offer humidity and salt spray testing if required. In addition to standard packaging methods such as cell tray packaging or wrapping in various materials, Able offers special packaging using a class 100 clean bench, individually bagging, vacuum sealing and nitrogen purging when required.
It often pays to specify electropolishing in order to passivate per ASTM B912 over passivation alone for several reasons. Whereas stainless steel passivation alone only removes free iron from the surface of the part, electropolishing removes the outer skin of metal, thus removing any embedded particulate that may become an initiation site for corrosion. Electropolishing stainless steel serves to smooth the metal surface on the micro-level which means less chance for retained surface moisture. Specifying electropolishing per ASTM B912 is particularly important when it comes to certain 400 series stainless steels such as 416 and 440. Based on their chemical makeup, these alloys are more susceptible to flash attack during a traditional passivation.
About Able Electropolishing:
Founded by Zen Pokvitis in 1954, Able Electropolishing has made a number of innovations in the field of electropolishing. As the largest electropolishing specialist in the U.S., Able serves the international metalworking community through its Chicago facility. Their 24-hour plant offers electropolishing of nearly any metal including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium, Nitinol and more. With a deep commitment to protecting clients’ intellectual property, Able is known for its work on patented prototypes and other unique designs. Visit Able at http://www.ableelectropolishing.com for more information.
Contact Information:
Scott Potter
Able Electropolishing Co., Inc.
http://www.ableelectropolishing.com
sales(at)ableep(dot)com
888-868-2900