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

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

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

Caustic cleaner for aluminum?

I want to setup a hot caustic tank for cleaning automotive parts. I'd just use NaOH but I'd like to be able to clean aluminum parts as well. Does anyone have suggestion on what chemicals to use? I've heard 10% KOH 2%KNO3 will work but I though I'd get an expert opinon.

Thanks,

Chris McKinnon
Hobbyist - Victoria, BC, Canada
2005

Hi Chris,

Products that are used for cleaning metal surfaces are specially formulated to perform that function. These contain alkaline builders, surfactants and other things. If you want to clean multi-metal parts effectively, you should buy a cleaner that is right for the job, rather than mess around with a home-brew mixture.

George Gorecki
- Naperville, Illinois
2005

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: