Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Need Alkali Etch information for Aluminum

We are a cold heading company and produce small aluminum components in very high volume (millions). Our customer has historically done the finishing but is now asking for us to provide the parts "Alkali Etched" and we know nothing about the process. Can someone briefly describe the process and it's intent? The materials we use are Aluminum 1100 H12 and 3003.

Mike Hartley
Cold Formed Parts Manufacturer - Elmhurst, Illinois, USA
2004

2004

Tumble the parts in the following solutions (I can furnish sources but not on this forum).

1. Commercial Alkali NON-etch soak cleaner, 140 °F, steel tank, 5 minutes to remove ORGANIC SOIL so that the subsequent etch will be uniform.
2. Cold Water Rinse
3. Alkali Etch in a commercial alkali etch compound, about 6 oz/gal 140 °F, 5 minutes.
4. Cold Water Rinse
5. Deoxidize in a Commercial Deox formulation, 10 minutes , room temp.

Ask your customer what he want to put on to prevent oxidation before he gets around to using the parts.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: