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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Post weld cleaning of titanium medical product

We have a medical product that is 6Al 4V titanium that has several Electron Beam welds on it, due to the number and geometry of the parts we are left with some weld vapor that has to be removed prior to shipment. Hand polishing will not work due to the geometric complexity of part, An acid dip followed by flushing seems to work well, but how can we guarantee no residue is left within crevices and holes on the part. Vacuum Bake? We need to keep the same surface finish as original machined titanium.

Robert Allen
electron beam application - Placentia, California, USA
2004

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2004

If your cleaning was done by mixture of nitric acid and fluoric acid, then we suggest dipping into 0.1% ammonia ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] hydroxide(NH4OH) for 2-4 minutes. This additional step will neutralizethe remaining acid on the surface. After that flush and dry.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Not sure this is the answer you are looking for, but basically you have 2 choices. 1. Some kind of chemical liquid system or, 2. a mechanical process. Can't help you with the first, but the best way to get a uniform surface finish is via a mass finishing system. Using the latter, media selection is very important. Not knowing what your surface looks like now, I can not make that recommendation. Need more info.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2004