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


-----

Treatment of the side effects of the pretreatment of the aluminum profiles

2006

Dear sir
My question is:

are there any side effects from the pretreatment line for aluminum profiles (for doors, windows) concerning the environment health, and how can we treat it?

Thanks in advance

Abdel Rahman Omer Bashir
- Khartoum, Sudan

---

Thanks for visiting finishing.com, Abdel. The short answer is that pretreatment usually involves etching in strong caustic, and desmutting in an acid solution that may involve chromic acid, nitric acid, or hydrofluoric acid -- all of which are nasty. Then there is a chromate conversion coating process (or a substitute trivalent chromate conversion process), and hexavalent chrome is a carcinogen according to the governments of some nations. So both the workers and the environment must be protected from these chemicals.

As you can see, all we can do is to discuss the issue in very general terms. You should consider retaining a finishing consultant or industrial hygienist to look into this in detail with you because the long answer would fill several books.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006