Summary for pickling solution for titanium Discussion
Best pickling solution for stainless steel and titanium alloys is discussed as a practical surface-preparation problem, with the original poster asking whether a nitric/hydrofluoric mix, ammonium bifluoride, or a sulfuric/hydrofluoric/nitric blend is best. Suresh Agarwal says his shop is currently using HNO3:HF in a 1:3 ratio and wants guidance on making an ammonium bifluoride solution for both stainless steel and titanium products. Mario Vorster replies that he has a similar problem and asks for any positive solutions, but does not add a method. The only specific process suggestion comes from P. Edwards, who says a 0.15 lb/gal ammonium bifluoride solution could be used. A later question from Richard Steen shifts the topic slightly to roughening CP1 titanium for better coating adhesion, asking whether the surface can be corroded or pitted instead of ground.
Q. We are manufacturers of Stainless Steel products. We are facing problem in pickling titanium alloys. Please suggest us the best method of pickling Stainless Steel as well as titanium products. We are currently using a mixture of HNO3:HF in the ratio of 1:3. I have read ammonium bifluoride is also used. How could I make the solution of ammonium bifluoride powder? Do I have to mix H2SO4/HF/HNO3 with it?
Thanks,
Suresh Agarwal
– Delhi, India
2001
Q. Dear Suresh Agarwal,
Looks like we have a similar problem. Could you please forward me any positive solutions to your problem?
Kind regards,
Mario Vorster
steel products – Cape Town, South Africa
2001
A. I believe that a 0.15 lb/gal solution of ammonium bifluoride could be used.
P Edwards
– Bristol, UK
2004
Q. I am trying to prep the surface of Titanium CP1 for a coating . . . and grinding just is not doing it. I was wondering if there was any way I could corrode or pit the surface of the titanium sheets so they would hold a coating better?
Richard Steen
– Amarillo, Texas
March 30, 2009