Electropolishing Titanium

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AgereAutMori

Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
2
Location
Canada
Hello All,

I have been starting to research electropolishing titanium as that I can use that as a way of preparing my titanium for anodizing.
I found an older post on here where user BradG posts a list of chemicals for electropolishing specific materials. I am planning on using the sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and methanol mixture for testing this.
My question is, is the listed temerature of -30 Celcius a critical temperature for electropolishing or is it an ideal temperature?

Also, if anyone has any experience electropolishing titanium and has information/advice for someone new to it, I'm more than willing to listen.
 

rixstix

Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2007
Messages
615
Location
Canistota, SD USA
Titanium etching in the past was done using HF acid. I think you may be playing with fire using a home brew concoction.

Today, there is a product called "Multi-Etch" for titanium cleaning, oxide removal immediately prior to anodizing. Multi Etch can be prepared for cold etching or heated bath etching. Without etching, high voltage colors like peacock, teal and greens tend to come out really muddy looking. Whink Rust/Stain remover has also been used with fair results since it contains a diluted HF.

https://www.reactivemetals.com/titanium USA source

https://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no&catalogid=104300 Canadian source
 

AgereAutMori

Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
2
Location
Canada
Titanium etching in the past was done using HF acid. I think you may be playing with fire using a home brew concoction.

Today, there is a product called "Multi-Etch" for titanium cleaning, oxide removal immediately prior to anodizing. Multi Etch can be prepared for cold etching or heated bath etching. Without etching, high voltage colors like peacock, teal and greens tend to come out really muddy looking. Whink Rust/Stain remover has also been used with fair results since it contains a diluted HF.

https://www.reactivemetals.com/titanium USA source

https://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no&catalogid=104300 Canadian source
Thank you for the reply, although etching is different from electropolishing.
I already use multi-etch for etching my titanium prior to anodizing and I'm getting decent results. The reason I'm wanting to electropolish is to get improved surface finishes so I can get better results with anodizing. I can mechanically polish my titanium as long as there are no fine details or hard-to-reach edges. Electropolishing will chemically polish the metal across all surfaces prior to etching and then anodizing.
 
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