BWB-Ampho offers you the innovative process of electrolytic plasma polishing *. This further development of the traditional electrolytic polishing is a particularly suitable solution for complex workpieces whose high demands on purity, gloss and surface quality are difficult or impossible to achieve with other processes.
The electrochemical polishing is a proven technology to create a shiny surface with an extremely low roughness value (Ra). In addition to the visual effect, this excellent surface quality has a positive effect on corrosion- and abrasion-resistance, too.
Electrolytic plasma polishing is an electrochemical treatment used to clean, deburr and polish metal parts. In a single operation, welding seams are cleaned, discoloration is removed, and surfaces are polished to a high quality finish. In addition, all organic and inorganic impurities are removed with a minimal loss of material, so that the original geometric shape of the object is completely preserved. The treatment is perfectly suitable for applications in the watch and jewelry industry, with high requirements on gloss and corrosion-resistance, as well as for contamination-free applications in the medical industry (ISO 13485).
In the plasma polishing treatment, the workpiece is electrically contacted and immersed as an anode in an electrolytic bath. When immersed, a plasma forms on the surface of the workpiece due to the high voltage. The plasma then leads to material removal and a smoothing of the surface.
The many advantages of plasma polishing include a low surface roughness and up to ten times less material removal than traditional electrolytic polishing. The electrolyte is low in concentration and biodegradable. This makes it a particularly environmentally friendly process (see comparison table).
Advantages of plasma polishing
- Unachieved level of gloss
- Uniform polishing of the inner surfaces, regardless of their geometry or surface condition
- Leveling of micro-roughnesses (< 0.03 µm) without special pretreatment or cleaning
- Processing of any contours with minimum material removal
- Significant increase in corrosion resistance
- Minimal mechanical and thermal stress on the surface (t < 100 ° C)
- Clean surface, free from organic and inorganic contaminants, suited for medical use (ISO 13485).
- Smooth surface to simplify cleaning, decontamination and sterilization
- Reduced friction coefficient on the treated surface
- Longer life span, especially with cutting tools (less friction, less heat development, no breaking point)
- Use of environmentally friendly electrolytes
Plasma polishing can be applied on stainless steel with a carbon content below 1% and chromium content above 5%, e.g. :
- stainless steel (C<1%, Cr>5%)
- cobalt-chromium alloys (CoCr)
- cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (CoCrMo)
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information. We are happy to answer your questions and demonstrate the outstanding surface quality of this unique process.
* The plasma polishing process is protected by patent DE 10 2006 016 368. The patent is held by the BECKMANN INSTITUTE for Technology Development and by the company PLASOTEC GmbH. The company PLASOTEC GmbH delivered the plasma polishing system of the BWB-Ampho and put it into operation. Further information on the technology and application of the process can be found at www.plasotec.de
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