Stated simply, Electro-polishing is the controlled electrochemical removal of surface metal, resulting in a brilliant appearance and improved properties. Sometimes described as "reverse plating," or "Super Passivation", the process has a leveling effect, which produces smoothness and increased reflectivity.

Unisteel pioneered EP (electro-polished) fasteners with the objective of decreasing particle contamination by improving surface smoothness and regularities. EP fasteners are used in hard disk drive industry to increase production yield.