The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Alkaline Cleaner for SS316L

I was wondering if anyone could suggest a specific industrial alkaline cleaner for SS316L. I would like to use a cleaner that is currently used to clean implantable medical devices for the biomedical industry. I am a graduate student and my thesis involves the surface modification of stainless steel stents. All advice is appreciated.

Kory Hamel
Clemson University - Clemson, South Carolina
1998

You might want to contact Haemo-Sol in Baltimore, MD. They make alkaline cleaners for this application. Their Haemo-Sol Regular should have a pH of about 11.

James Chunn
- Theodore, Alabama
1998

---

1998

You may find reference to this in an ASTM standard because ASTM does publish standards for certain prep steps (like electropolishing) specifically for implants.

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

---

1998

We have been very happy with a product called "FERROLYTE 1030" (Starlight Chemicals, Inc., Chicago, IL). We use it for all of our medical products that get electropolished. The true test of a good alkaline solution is that water sheets over the part, rather than bead up, after treatment.

It comes in a powdered form and gets mixed with water. It runs at 160 degrees F but we have used it at room temperature with good results.

Jim Transue
Micro Stamping Corp. - Somerset, NJ

I formulate cleaners for the automotive industry. I read a few of the responses to your request for an alkaline cleaner. They are very easy to formulate -- would be a very fun experience. One thing to watch out for is the cleaning test you perform. Just because a surface reveals increased water shedding does not mean the surface is clean for your application. Many surfactants adhere to the surface of the treated part. Which will improve your water break test! Depending on if you don't mind this contamination carry over there is no problem. Many surfactants have various rinsing properties and are more effective at wetting and cleaning at different concentrations. I have become well aware of this fact and have developed different ways of determing a soil free surface. Be open to experimentation if required.

Noel Fleener
Circle Prosco Inc. - Bloomington, Indiana
1999