The Big 5 2017: great interest of stainless steel valves and manifolds
February 28, 2018
New packaging for our valves
March 5, 2018
When you mention stainless steel, the first thing that comes to mind is a material that resists all kinds of attack and which does not change when attacked by corrosion.
Thanks to the high percentage of chrome in its alloy, stainless steel covers itself spontaneously with a layer of chromium oxide, what is known as a passive film, which protects the steel from external aggression and guarantees resistance to corrosion.
These intrinsic characteristics can, however, be reinforced through electropolishing, which favours the passivation mechanism behind stainlessness, so improving the metallurgic properties of stainless steel.
During the electroplating bath, electropolishing extracts the iron and nickel atoms more easily, exposing the chrome atoms more, and so accelerating passivation.
Electropolishing is a treatment that can even be applied inside a manufactured item, giving the whole product maximum resistance. Inner electropolishing improves passivation of the inner surfaces, leaving them rich with chrome and making them more compatible for use in special sectors such as medicine and food, where maximum resistance to corrosion and elevated levels of hygiene are essential.
Another important aspect is the effectiveness of electropolishing on parts with a complex shape. During treatment, even more than 10 microns of metal are removed from corners and edges; in addition, using additional cathodes makes it possible to reach hidden spaces and corners for a perfect polish, both inside and out.
