Technology · Polishing
Technology · Polishing

Surface polishing treatment for stainless steel

Features of Polishing Technology

Abel offers tailored surface treatments including our proprietary electrochemical polishing—Belclean, chemical polishing, and buffing, selecting the best method according to the application and part shape

Electropolishing
Belclean is Abel’s proprietary electrochemical polishing process, developed to enhance the functional performance of stainless steel

Abel’s proprietary electropolishing process, Belclean, enhances stainless steel functionality by selectively dissolving surface peaks through electrical current. This produces a smooth, lustrous finish without using oils or abrasives, ensuring no stress on the metal surface. It’s especially suited for polishing industrial equipment in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food, and energy sectors.

Chemical Polishing
Abel’s chemical polishing handles shapes that are difficult to process with electropolishing

This method immerses stainless steel in a specialized solution, dissolving the surface through chemical reaction. Like electropolishing, it refines formed stainless steel parts, but is particularly effective for removing foreign substances, scale, and for cleaning complex shapes.

Buffing

A mechanical polishing process used to remove large burrs and roughness. Buffing is effective as a preliminary step before electropolishing or chemical polishing, but it is not suitable for final surfaces that require high cleanliness.

The following processes are effective for achieving an optimal surface finish on stainless steel materials

01. Mechanical polishing such as buffing

  • Removes major irregularities

  • Smooths surface waviness

02. Followed by electrochemical polishing or chemical polishing

  • Eliminates fine irregularities

  • Restores stainless steel properties affected by prior processing

  • Removes impurities (cleaning)

  • Enhances corrosion resistance

Each polishing method has unique characteristics and considerations. The table below compares the three methods—electrochemical polishing, chemical polishing, and buffing—across factors such as surface smoothness, resistance to soiling, corrosion resistance, and suitability for complex shapes

Polishing Methods Overview

Choosing the right polishing method

Features
Creates smooth, glossy surface
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●
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Removes fine irregularities
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●
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Removes large burrs / rough surfaces
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Improves corrosion resistance
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Produces clean, contamination-free surface
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●
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Suitable for complex shapes
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limited
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Risk of uneven finish
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if current flow is uneven
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△
scratches, swirl marks
Risk of residue contamination
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△
depends on liquid management
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abrasive particles, oil remain
Requires ongoing liquid/process management
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●
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Recommended as preparatory step
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after buff
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abrasive particles, oil remain
Processing Size

Processable Stainless-Steel Sizes for Polishing

Polishing Method Maximum Processable Size (mm)
Electropolishing (Belclean)

W850×L900×H500

※立体構造品については別途ご相談ください。
Chemical Polishing

W2000×L800×H800
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