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Removing aluminum from a base metal

I am looking for a way to remove aluminum that has built up on a complex configuration in hardened D2 steel. It is imperative that I do not etch the base metal. I am wondering if there is some kind of solution that could be used?

Bill Dobbin
Metal working business - Jackson, Michigan, USA
2004

Hi Bill. caustic soda [affil links] easily dissolves aluminum and has very little effect on most steel at ambient temperature or hot water temperatures (although you may have to research 'caustic embrittlement' to be sure it doesn't apply to your case). See if a local plating anodizing shop can't clean up these parts for you.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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