Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Stripping Chrome from Duplex LDX 2101 Alloy Basis Metal

September 30, 2008

Hi,
I need help
I'm trying to strip chrome plating from LDX 2101 duplex parts.
(LDX 2101 is 21% Cr, 1.5 % Ni and 0.3 % Mo Duplex alloy)
Normally, on 316 SS, I use a 15 % HCl at 120 F and I can strip the chrome without corrosion attack on the basis metal.
But it's another story with the LDX 2101. The basis metal starts corroding on the non plated surface and after the chrome is gone on the plated surface.
I'm losing the functional and critical dimensions of the part.

I tried a few corrosion inhibitors without success. Can I try alkaline electro-stripping method with confidence ?
I have to keep my critical dimension into plus or minus 1 thousand of an inches tolerance after stripping 10 to 15 thousands thick of chrome.

Any suggestion is welcome.

André Bournival
Technician - Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada

You certainly can use alkaline electro stripping but it will take too long for such a thick coating (perhaps shifts not hours). It will also leave behind hex chrome instead of tri. G. Marrufo-Mexico

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
October 9, 2008

---

Hi,

Use sodium carbonate / washing soda [affil links]

Monggoluton
- Malaysia
November 18, 2009