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Chemically polishing aluminum motorcycle parts

My name is Bob Bleakley I am the owner of a motorcycle parts distributor in Barrie Ontario, I would appreciate it if someone could till me if it is possible to chemically polish aluminum motorcycle parts. The problem I have with physically buffing the parts is that some of the parts are of a very irregular shape and it is difficult to get at all the surfaces.Also the heat created by buffing is sometimes a problem. Any information about how to do this or where to get it done in southern Ontario would be extremely helpful. Thank you to anyone who can help.

Bob.

Bob B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Barrie, Ontario Canada
2000

Ed. note: This RFQ is outdated, but technical replies are welcome, and readers are encouraged to post their own RFQs. But no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?).

Bob - Yes, aluminum can be chemically polished with a "bright dip". Some heat is generally required though, and an acidic solution is used. Good Luck.

Dan Brewer
chemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois
2000

August 29, 2008

Hi, gentlemen.

I can't disagree with you, Dan, except that "bright dipping" is not just hot and acidic -- it's probably the second foulest operation metal finishers must do, with a boiling hot solution of nitric acid that fumes wildly with mustard colored toxic gases, demanding full enclosure in a garage style exhaust system, and double walled type 316L stainless steel tanks :-)

Letters 800, 1831, and 10917 go into substantial detail about aluminum polishing and may be of some help, Bob. Good luck!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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