×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Post Weld Cleaning of Aluminium

Post Weld Cleaning of Aluminium

Post Weld Cleaning of Aluminium

(OP)
Hi Guys,

I am sure this is a simple question for those in the know.

I am doing a one off job that requires mig welding of aluminium. The welding is fine but I want to clean them up, but mostly the black soot like surface that surrounds them.

I know I can wire brush it with a hand stainless steel brush.

I have found an ultra fine (0.003" wire) wire brush for the bench grinder and that seems to work well.

What are some smarter options for cleaning? Is there a solution I make up to dip them in?

This is aluminium extrusion and is 32x32 angle, 3mm thick, welded into 500mm squares.

Thanks for being such a helpful community.

Regards, Iain.

RE: Post Weld Cleaning of Aluminium

On a one off job You should visit one of the auto parts stores to see what is available. The bigger stores should have an alkali or acid cleaner that will handle diesel tracking. Some of the Aluminum wheel cleaners will do the job.  Your welding consumables supplier should have similar product.

If you need a brightening solution I would look to Alumi-Brite product. If you have to use this type product use all the recommended precautions as most contain Hydrofluoric Acid.
 

RE: Post Weld Cleaning of Aluminium

Hello, Gibsoni.  Any alkaline soap/detergent with a pH of 10-12 should work very well.  Keep in mind cleaning efficacy is due to actual dissolution of your aluminum.  So, you'll need to clean fast, monitor closely.  Best wishes.    

William Gunnar
http://www.IndustrialCoatingsWorld.com
 

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources