Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Corrosion prevention prior to welding

I am looking for a corrosion prevention coating to use on components that will be weded later. The material is cold rolled steel. We want to prevent corrosion of the parts during shipping and storage (including ocean going shipment), yet still allow welding once received. We are currently using Black Phosphate coating per MIL-DTL-16232 [from DLA] but are customers are complaining about the cost. Are there other alternatives?

Michael O\Hara
Customer - Naples, Florida, USA
February 1, 2008

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February 12, 2008

What about using temporary corrosion inhibitor such as Tectyl (now sold by Daubert) or Houghton's line of Rust Veto products? Typically referred to as Cosmoline, these are oil-based temporary coatings which can be removed with a solvent prior to use or welding.

There are some water based inhibitors out there but I haven't been impressed with them.

Ultraviolet exposure is an issue. If your parts are going to be stored outside, make sure the inhibitor has UV protection.

Todd Turner
- El Dorado, Ark.