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Stripping of chromium from stainless steel

I am a first time user of this forum to attempt to obtain information thru finishing.com.
I am currently looking into stripping of hard chrome from stainless steels in the AMS 5340-5900 series.
I am considering using a 50% (or stronger) hydrochloric acid solution with perhaps an inhibitor.
What precautions should I consider as far as immersion and post dip bake times are concerned?
I've considered an electrolytic alkaline strip but my interest is going for a fast, non-electrolytic approach.
Anyone's input as to the pros and cons of an acidic strip approach would be appreciated.....

Eugene Petit
Hamilton Standard - E. Windsor, Connecticut
1998

HCl works fine as a strip for chrome. Agitation speeds the process up considerably. A small amount of inhibitor will go a long way in preventing pitting.

increasing the concentration above 50% does not do much. Throwing it away more often will do a lot more. Feric chloride in an HCl solution is a great etchant (pits), so throwing it away more often will reduce the amount of destroyed parts that you get.

I am positive that your company has written rules on stripping that you will have to live with. Your sister co, PWA is just down the road, and they could provide an input (help/ information)

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
1998