Electrochemical Processes
Electrochemical processes allow high quality, low cost surface finishes on your nitinol parts. Electrochemistry uses electricity plus an electrolyte (acid) to add or remove a layer of material on your part. With the right electrolyte and with the right voltage, just about any metal can be deposited onto nitinol. These processes can be grouped into two categories electropolishing and electroplating.
Electropolishing
In electropolishing, the outer layer of the nitinol is removed.Since the high points on a rough area are more susceptible to removal, the result is a mirror smooth surface finish.
Electroplating
In electroplating, a sacrificial electrode made of the material being deposited is immersed into the electrolyte together with the nitinol parts.The electricity transfers the atoms from the electrode to the nitinol part, establishing a bond with the nitinol..
A third electrochemical process, known as passivation, is also used to increase corrosion resistance. This is often required for medical parts.By immersing in an electrolyte, an oxide layer is built up on the parts, preventing the nickel from dissolving into the patient.
We have lab scale equipment to electroplate a small number of parts during R&D and we have continuous process equipment to minimize the production cost of electrochemistry in scale. Are you ready to electroplate your nitinol? Feel free to contact your applications engineer at 855-583-5353 or nitinol@KelloggsResearchLabs.com to begin the process.
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