Letter 737

Stripping chromium from aluminum

Dear Fellow Finishers:

I would like information on stripping chromium plate from aluminum (e.g., 6061-T6). The process suggested must not attack the aluminum.

The only information I've uncovered so far suggested using a solution of 40 to 60 g/l of chromic acid and making the part anodic at 4 to 8 volts. Does this sound okay?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Blair Smith
aerospace - Windsor Locks, Connecticut

Blair , that will work better than most things. when the chromic acid hits the aluminum, it will anodize it and stop the attack. You will have to strip the anodize, but that should not be a problem. Good luck.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

Blair, instead of a new solution you can reverse it off in the Chrome tank (dependent on quantity) . Just be sure you use aluminum wire or jigs , the soln. is also a magic copper stripper. No, it won't damage your chrome tank I've been doing it for twenty years .

Dave Brackenridge
aerospace plating - Germiston, South Africa

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