3. Emulsifying cleaning Emulsifier: Use surfactant and emulsifier. Operating conditions: temperature 40-70°C, time 5-15 minutes. Advantages: Effective removal of grease and wax, suitable for medium oil pollution.
How to Remove Oil and Wax from Metal Surfaces in Plating Pretreatment Processes
Author: Robby
In the electroplating pretreatment process, removing oil and wax from the metal surface is a key step, and the common methods are as follows:
1. Alkaline cleaning
Alkaline cleaning agent: Use cleaning agent containing sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, etc.
Operating conditions: Temperature 50-90°C, time 5-20 minutes.
Advantages: Effective removal of grease and some wax.
2. Solvent cleaning
Organic solvents: use petrol, acetone, trichloroethylene and so on.
Operation mode: soaking, wiping or steam degreasing.
Advantages: Quickly remove grease and wax, suitable for heavy oil pollution.
3. Emulsifying cleaning
Emulsifier: Use surfactant and emulsifier.
Operating conditions: temperature 40-70°C, time 5-15 minutes.
Advantages: Effective removal of grease and wax, suitable for medium oil pollution.
4. Ultrasonic cleaning
Cleaning agent: Use alkaline or emulsified cleaning agent.
Operating conditions: ultrasonic frequency 20-40 kHz, time 2-10 minutes.
Advantages: Highly efficient removal of grease and wax from complex shapes and small crevices.
5. Electrolytic cleaning
Electrolyte: Use alkaline electrolyte.
Operating conditions: Current density 5-15 A/dm², temperature 50-80°C, time 1-5 minutes.
Advantages: Highly effective removal of stubborn oils and waxes.
6. Mechanical cleaning
Method: Sandblasting, sanding or brushing.
Advantages: Removes heavy oils and waxes and increases surface roughness.
7. Precautions
Selection of cleaning agent: Select the appropriate cleaning agent according to the type of oil and wax.
Temperature and time control: Ensure the cleaning effect and avoid damaging the substrate.
Safety protection: wear protective equipment during operation and avoid contact with harmful substances.
By these methods, the oil and wax on the metal surface can be effectively removed to ensure the plating quality.