Electropolishing and Hospitality

Electropolishing

Electropolishing is a process that streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object by removing metal from the object’s surface through an electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating.
Electropolishing works by effectively removing stainless steel by first shedding the metal peaks, or high points, of the treated surface.

There are numerous benefits to electropolishing, including:

• Better Physical Appearance
• Enhanced Mechanical Properties
• Better Corrosion Resistance
• Provides a clean, smooth surface that’s easier to sterilise
• Able to polish areas that are inaccessible by other polishing methods

Electropolishing and Hospitality

Electropolishing on stainless steel hospitality equipment can reduce the likelihood of food contamination and improve equipment hygiene.

Due to heavy use and prolonged exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, stainless steel in the hospitality industry can be susceptible to corrosion, leading to a higher potential of harboring bacteria.

Treating stainless steel by electropolishing removes the peaks and high points, leaving a smooth surface free of impurities. This newly clean, smooth surface resists bacteria and moisture, providing a safer surface for food and drink processing equipment.

As bacteria and moisture cling to any imperfections, proper maintenance and corrosion control is critical to keep bacteria growth at bay.

Additionally, electropolishing removes the presence of hydrogen from stainless steel. Hydrogen creates a suitable breeding ground for bacteria, so removing hydrogen from stainless steel helps protect equipment from bacterial growth. Electropolishing is the only treatment that removes hydrogen from both the surface and throughout the stainless steel.

Electropolishing also reduces corrosion of your stainless steel, allowing equipment to maintain its integrity and optimal performance for as long as possible.

Electropolishing Services with International Corrosion Services

Since 2015, ICS have had Western Australia’s largest electropolish bath for the treatment of stainless steel.

Standard ASTM B912 recommends the pickle and passivation of stainless steel to ASTM A380 as a pre-treatment process. Our electropolish bath is the only facility in Western Australia able to facilitate this large-scale service.

The electropolish facility at ICS includes:

• 5000amp state of the art German manufactured rectifier
• Mixer for agitation of the fluid
• Temperature sensor
• Electrical heaters
• Electrical control panel and control units
• Bath cover/lid (manual handling)
• Fumes exhaust system
• Waste Disposal and recycling system
• 10 tonne and 5 tonne overhead cranes

Our electropolishing bath can treat stainless steel up to 6.5m long, 1.5m deep and 1.3m wide. While larger pieces can be treated using a double dip method, a slight demarcation line may appear if there is an overlap.

Your equipment is guaranteed to be free of the risk of cross-contamination, as we exclusively treat stainless steel. We use soft slings to move stainless steel, ensuring there are no damage or scratches to the steel.

Click here to find out more about our Electropolishing services and contact us today for treatment.