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Q&As since 1989


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How to choose between different scale removal techniques?

I would like to know typically what are the criteria used in choosing between acid pickling, blasting or other mechanical means for removal of scale from steel? Is this decided based upon grades of steel or cost factors? If it is based upon grades, which grades are amenable for what treatment? If cost is the important factor what are the break points?

Thank you!

Anand Samant
- Danbury, Connecticut, USA
2003

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I think cost is the controlling factor on everything. If you can't make money, don't do it; however, how you do it is another factor. There are other factor that control how much profit you can make. Meaning, you need to know what surface profile of the part(s) you have before processing, what the material is, how hard it is, and then what surface profile you need to achieve or what is the final appearance or finish on the part. Once some of these questions are answered ( there are still more), then you can begin to figure out what is the best way to proceed.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2003