Electropolishing

A current passes from the anode, where metal on the surface is oxidised and dissolved in the electrolyte, to the cathode.

This process, referred to as anodic leveling, can be subject to incorrect analysis when measuring the surface topography.

[4] Anodic dissolution under electropolishing conditions deburrs metal objects due to increased current density on corners and burrs.

Due to its ease of operation and its usefulness in polishing irregularly-shaped objects, electropolishing has become a common process in the production of semiconductors.

As electropolishing can also be used to sterilize workpieces, the process plays an essential role in the food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries.