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Deleading information

I am looking for information on setting up a de-leading process for brass in my facility. where can I go to find information on acid solutions,dip rate etc? This must meet NSF 61 protocols.

Randy Zielke
engineer - Crestwood, Illinois, USA
2007

Sounds like a very stringent and critical issue, but I know that fluorides or the fluoborate salts are useful in dissolving lead. I know nothing about the mentioned protocol.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2007

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2007

De-leading?

I am not familiar with the process you speak of, either.

Are you talking about substituting lead free for "free machining" brass? Or, do you mean you're trying to remove lead from the surface of free machining brass to get better plating?

If the former, that's good "P2" practice. It will require some significant changes in the way your machine tools are operated. What those changes will entail...you would have to consult an expert in such matters. I'm sure not one. :)

If the latter, the poster above offers sound advice. A fluoride or fluoborate treatment in the pre-plate cycle is necessary, because the lead crystallites in the alloy tend to smear over the surface during the machining process, and this leads to poor adhesion and other problems.

Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York