Selective electrofinishing encompasses a growing list of portable electrochemical processes. This includes the well-known brush or selective electroplating systems that are used for on-site electroplating, as well as portable anodizing and electropolishing systems. All of these systems are set apart from traditional finishing processes because they are portable. In most cases, selective electrofinishing operations are performed using hand-held tools or anodes. Selective electrofinishing operations, in their simplest forms, resemble painting. The operator soaks or dips the tool in a solution and then brushes or rubs it against the surface of the material that is to be finished. The tools are covered with an absorbent material that holds solutions so they can be applied to the work surface. A portable power pack provides a source of direct current for all the processes. The power pack has at least two leads. One lead is connected to the tool and the other is connected to the part being finished. The direct current supplied by the power pack is used in a circuit that is completed when the tool is touching the work surface. The tool is always kept in motion whenever it is in contact with the work surface. Movement is required to ensure a quality finish. Work surface preparation is usually accomplished through a series of electrochemical operations. These preparatory steps are performed with the same equipment and tool types that are used for the final finishing operation. Good preparation of the work surface is as important as movement of the tools to produce a quality finish.
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