Electropolishing apparatus and method

Abstract

An electropolishing apparatus for polishing an inner face of a deep hole of an article comprises a support for holding an article so that the article is maintained to erect in an electrolytic bath, and an electrode to be inserted into a deep hole of the article. The electrode is a hollow member having a through hole formed longitudinally. Electrolyte is supplied into the through hole of the electrode from upside. The electrolyte flows through the through hole of the electrode, a gap between the lower end of the electrode and the bottom of the hole, and another gap to be between an outer face of the electrode and an inner face of the hole. A plurality of removers consisting of nonwoven fabric may be fixed around the electrode. The support and the article rotate, while the electrode moves up and down. Furthermore, a plurality of magnets may be arranged around the article so that a magnetic field is formed in a zone including the article. A body in which the magnet are embedded may be translated with the electrode to move up and down throughout the length of the article.