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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Alternative to acid cleaning of brass parts to avoid oil sticking on the part

We use acid cleaning on brass parts to clean oil/dust particles before using it as it is, or electroplating with silver. We are not totally satisfied with this process since we continue to have a problem in functioning of the part (which will always be under continuous contact with other metal parts/plastic parts). Is there any economical alternative to acid cleaning for parts to be used as is, and as preparation before silver plating.

Cowkur Giri Suresh
Manufacturing Engineer - Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2003

The brass can be alkaline soak cleaned; it can even be alkaline electrocleaned. Acid is a poor cleaner; you'll probably want to activate or bright dip the parts in acid, but this should be preceded by alkaline cleaning. Vapor degreasing can precede the alkaline cleaning if you wish.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

2003

Mr Giri

Oil is removed by a soak clean followed by electroclean .

Asif Nurie [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016

I am following up on Ted's answer. The first cleaning should be with an alkaline like sodium hydroxide to degrease the parts. Immersion in acid is an electrochemical process. If oil is present on the surface, your results will be spotty. If all oil is removed the acid should work better.

Dave Fairbourn
CVD of jet engine turbine parts - Sandy, Utah
2003

adv.

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