Letter 1093

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I would like to find a water-soluble wax that can be used with abrasives in walnut-shell vibratory polishing. My problem is cleaning the residual wax from "hideouts" after using standard polishing materials.

Donald M. Mattox Society of Vacuum Coaters Albuquerque, NM   Ed. note:             Mr. Mattox is             the author of --

Does anyone think bar soap would work? Maybe LAVA, if its still made, since it already has abrasives in it? I hope this doesn't sound stupid. I'm not familiar with polishing processes. Bill Vins microwave & cable assemblies Mesa (what a place-a), Arizona

Now I'm really confused! Certain parts, like turbine blades, are filled with wax before processing so that foreign materials can't work their way down into the innards. After the processing is complete, the wax is removed (traditionally in a vapor degreaser). I thought this is what Mr. Mattox was referring to, and that he was seeking a wax that he could remove without solvents.

But if it's simply water soluble wax that people are after, how about considering Soy Wax?

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

Water soluble wax is available, although when dry the residue is as stubborn as candle wax. The material if flushed when wet may be suitable in your application. Available from Mobil oil co and from memory called mobilcer 44

Pete Hamber

DON,

CHECK WITH MACDERMID (WATERBURY CONN.)

MACDERMID CARRIES A PRODUCT CALLED FINISH AID 9898. I USED IT FOR YEARS IN A MECHANICAL BURNISHING OPERATION AS A FINAL FINISH TO PROTECT A COPPER COATING, AND MEET A CERTAIN SLIPPERY FEELING TO THE TOUCH.

RAY DELOREY
KREBSZ ELECTROPLATING - CAMBRIDGE ONTARIO CANADA

Union Carbide makes a PEG (polyethylene glycol) based, water soluble wax. It comes in various molecular weights. Also, you may choose from powder to grit to flakes. Our company uses this product to support PCM's in suspension. It's called "Carbowax".

Jim Ells
IPS International Inc. USA -

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