Surface
treatments
of metals

The electropolishing makes titanium more resistant to corrosion and high temperatures and increases its tensile strength and biocompatibility. This process removes a controlled amount of material from the external layer, thereby eliminating surface imperfections, embedded contaminants, sharp edges and burrs, cracks and micro-holes, which could lead to corrosion.

Anodised aluminium ensures more abrasion resistance, easier maintenance, hygiene, and is more aesthetically pleasing, thanks to its shiny colours. We at Alticolor always recommend an electropolishing treatment, which further improves performance in terms of the artefact’s cleanliness, corrosion-resistance, and shiny colours.

Electropolishing is used also to improve the functionality of series 200, 300, and 400 stainless steel. Without electropolishing, stainless steel parts would have burrs and other surface defects that could compromise performance. In fact, this process provides components with a polished, smooth, and extra clean finish that reduces chances for corrosion significantly.

Passivation improves the stainless steel and titanium surface’s corrosion resistance by dissolving the iron inserted in the surface during forming and other processes. In fact, passivation consists in immersing stainless steel or titanium components into a nitric acid or citric acid solution. This treatment dissolves the iron and restores the original corrosion-resistant surface, forming a thin layer of transparent oxide.

Sandblating of metals is used to remove old paint, slag, rust, and imperfections from surface of small size objects through a pressurized fluid with compressed air and sand, giving back to the objects their original appearance. The process is used as a way to prepare a surface prior to possible painting or protective treatments.