Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

-----

Dissolving aluminum in internal passages of carbide drill bits

Does anyone have experience with dissolving aluminum that has plugged the passages of coolant thru solid carbide drills. The passages are .020 diameter and the plug withstands 1000psi.

Bob Willi
Mfg. Eng. - Peoria, Illinois, USA
2006

1 cup of red devil lye to a gal of water. Can be warmed to about 140 °F for faster action. Higher temp generates a caustic steam. I would use a pyrex glass container. Periodically remove and rinse. It may not be a fast process, but it is equipment safe. Use face mask, safety shield and rubber rubber gloves ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] .

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

Alternatively, diluted 50% muriatic acid can also be used without appreciable harm to carbide. More obnoxious but faster.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006

(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: