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Cleaning Stamping Oil Off Electro-Galvanized Parts

I am having problems cleaning the stamping oil off of electro-galvanized (stamped) metal parts. I need a spot free finish. The problem is that either I remove some of the galzanized finish, or I get spotted parts after cleaning.

Any suggestions?

Jim Berry
Mechanical Finishing, Inc. - Cincinnati, Ohio
2001

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I guess I'll get burned for heresy, but this problem and the solution are very easy. Don't use water, use a vapor degreaser.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2001

I cannot invest in a vapor degreaser cleaner. I have a three stage parts washer that has pressure jets and a heated chamber for drying. I have to find a way to use this in the cleaning process.

Jim Berry
- Cincinnati, Ohio
2001

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Your local plating chemical distributor, or one mentioned in our Directory of Chemicals & Equipment will have cleaning solutions formulated for zinc, which will do very little etching of the galvanized surface; but alkaline cleaners are difficult to rinse spot-free. You could try de-ionized water in the last stage, which will work in theory but may be a headache in practice; alternately, a mix of isopropyl alcohol ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and water as your final rinse should reduce the spotting and staining.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2001