Patent ID: 6558231
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: B23H,C25F

Abstract:
A method for smoothing the surface of an electrodissolvable substrate comprisingproviding an electrodissolvable substrate having a surface with macroasperities, said macroasperities having a height greater than about 100 micrometers; providing a counterelectrode; interposing an electrolyte between and in contact with said substrate and said counterelectrode; and passing an electric current between said substrate and said counterelectrode, whereby a Nernst diffusion layer is established at said substrate surface; whereinin a first step, said diffusion layer is maintained at a thickness to produce a macroprofile regime for at least the largest of said macroasperities until said macroasperities have been reduced to a height less than about 100 micrometers thereby being converted into microasperities; and in a second step, said diffusion layer is maintained at a thickness to produce a microprofile regime to reduce the height of said microasperities.