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Aluminum/steel interaction

2002

I am having trouble with aluminum parts running through a machine with a stainless steel hopper and feeding track. Could this be the interaction of the two metals? I tried putting a polymer coat on the aluminum and got good results, so that is how I came to the conclusion.

Thanks,

Joe Giannacco
- Clarkesville, Georgia

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2002

You did not say whether there was water (and electrolyte unless 100% distilled) or any other chemical in the hopper.

In any conductive liquid, aluminum and stainless steel produce a galvanic voltage. High school chemistry.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

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2002

If you can keep moisture out of the copper corrosion is not likely. 400 series ss will react with aluminum. 300 series is much better coupled with aluminum bet will corrode aluminum if moisture and salts are present.

Don Baudrand
Consultant - Poulsbo, Washington
(Don is co-author of "Plating on Plastics" [affil link to the book on: Amazon or AbeBooks ])