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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
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for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Chemically polishing aluminum motorcycle parts
My name is Bob Bleakley I am the owner of a motorcycle parts distributor in Barrie Ontario, I would appreciate it if someone could till me if it is possible to chemically polish aluminum motorcycle parts. The problem I have with physically buffing the parts is that some of the parts are of a very irregular shape and it is difficult to get at all the surfaces.Also the heat created by buffing is sometimes a problem. Any information about how to do this or where to get it done in southern Ontario would be extremely helpful. Thank you to anyone who can help.
Bob.
Bob B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Barrie, Ontario Canada
2000
Ed. note: This RFQ is outdated, but technical replies are welcome, and readers are encouraged to post their own RFQs. But no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?).
Bob - Yes, aluminum can be chemically polished with a "bright dip". Some heat is generally required though, and an acidic solution is used. Good Luck.
Dan Brewerchemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois
2000
August 29, 2008
Hi, gentlemen.
I can't disagree with you, Dan, except that "bright dipping" is not just hot and acidic -- it's probably the second foulest operation metal finishers must do, with a boiling hot solution of nitric acid that fumes wildly with mustard colored toxic gases, demanding full enclosure in a garage style exhaust system, and double walled type 316L stainless steel tanks :-)
Letters 800, 1831, and 10917 go into substantial detail about aluminum polishing and may be of some help, Bob. Good luck!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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