Surface finishing of high speed print bands: II. An electrochemical process for microfinishing of hardened Fe-13Cr stainless steel

An electrochemical process has been developed to obtain microfinishing of hardened Fe-13Cr stainless steel. The electrolyte is a mixture of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and glycerol. Optimum conditions have been determined that lead to mirror finishing of the work piece over a wide range of current density. The process operates at ambient temperature and is insensitive to slight variations in temperature of the electrolyte. The beneficial effects of glycerol is due to its influence on the transport properties of the electrolyte and the diffusing species. The process is suitable for surface finishing of high speed print bands.