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Q&As since 1989
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Alternative to ammonium bifluoride to etch aluminum
Q. I'm an aluminum anodizer looking for a alternative to ammonium bifluoride to matte (or satin) etch aluminum without a lot of metal loss. We anodize a lot of close tolerance optical components but want to eliminate the fluorides so we can use titanium racking. Customers want a uniform satin appearance and we need to maintain .0005. Any ideas?
Mark DewittRochester, New York
1995
A. We anodize with titanium racks and go through an ammonium bifluoride desmutter. I didn't know that it is a problem.
Ken Rosenblumfinishing shop - Minneapolis, Minnesota
1995
Q. We enter a 12-15% volume and water to achieve a dull etch.The ammonium bifluoride etches aggressively the titanium. Try it. It works. We don't want to be replacing racks. The finish is nice, but it kills our racks. Is it our chemistry? Do we need an inhibitor of some sort? This is not a proprietary product but a home brew.
Mark DewittRochester, New York
1995
A. The standard aluminum desmutter that I'm familiar with is 30% nitric acid, 30% sulfuric acid and 1 lb/gal ammonium bifluoride.
Ken Rosenblumfinishing shop - Minneapolis, Minnesota
1995
Q. Dear Sir,
Since many years this website is helping me and guiding me truly. I have one query. Does hydrofluoric acid etching helps in making aluminium sections brighter. Actually I am blasting aluminium with SS shots which gives very dull finish. I want to brighten up little bit making it satin. Or is there any other pretreatment method which will help us to brighten up the job. Your replies are highly appreciated. Thanking you in anticipation.
Regards
- Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
May 6, 2013
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