Evolution of model roughness on quasi-pure aluminum during plasma electrolytic polishing

The present paper studies the material removal evolution, during Plasma Electrolytic Polishing (PeP), on model roughnesses prepared 1050 aluminum alloy (AA), i.e. a quasi-pure aluminum, used as substrate. results obtained in this study confirm significance of applied voltage removal. In particular, minimal to be generate plasma is seen above 230 V. Meanwhile, at higher 300 V, high quality polishing obtained. Using technique, rolling streaks are eliminated rapidly without workpiece's geometry being adversely affected. Finally, roughness evolution was accurately studied series samples with various well-defined levels generated by microindentation. shows that only few minutes processing needed obtain significant reduction roughness, even representing up 70%. Results show also valleys do not undergo all long peak valley height remains enough. As process goes on, (i.e. mainly peaks) reduced and become submitted well.