ETCH / DEGREASER - ALUETCH 500mL

Details

ETCH / DEGREASER - ALUETCH 500mL

Part Number: ETCHDEG500

This product is replacing the Caswell Degreaser SPED18 in the anodizing process. 

INTRODUCTION

PRELUDE ALU-ETCH is a combination of 46% w/w sodium hydroxide and etch additive that will avoid the precipitation of aluminium hydroxide stone in aluminium etching baths.

Using PRELUDE ALU-ETCH does away with having to add etch additive manually to bulk tank of etching bath.

It minimizes the need to handle chemicals or having to mix additive thoroughly to bulk caustic tank.

PRELUDE ALU-ETCH contains solubilizing agents that keep non-ionic surfactants in solution that may be carried over from cleaning baths and stops them from setting out on the surface of the caustic tank. 

POST ETCH TREATMENT

Rinse immediately in fresh water, prior to de-smutting. 

BATH MAKE-UP AND CONTROL

INITIAL MIX 500 gm WILL MAKE 10 LITRES OF SOLUTION

ADD TO PRE-MEASURED WATER, NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND.

Initially- 50gm/litre caustic soda

Temperature - 38-70 deg Celcius (Ideally 60-70C) 

ETCH TIME

3 - 20 minutes - (Depending on desired finish)

Air agitation is recommended. 

SUGGESTED OPERATION

Before being too concerned about the following maintenance, please remember the size of the tank being used with the Caswell Anodizing kit will be much smaller than used commercially.

For this reason when you find the degrease /etch is no longer working just replace it. 

The following only applies to commercial quantities unless you have the capabilities to measure as required.

1. Maintain etch bath at 50gms/litre NaOH from PRELUDE ALU-ETCH

2. When dissolved aluminium reaches 40gms/litre increase NaOH concentration from PRELUDE ALU-ETCH to 60gms/litre.

3. When dissolved aluminium reaches 70gms/litre increase NaOH concentration from PRELUDE ALU-ETCH to 70gms/litre.

Maintain this concentration. The etch bath will reach an equilibrium point somewhere between 100- 140gms/litre aluminium.

PRECAUTIONS

The following only applies to commercial quantities as there will be very little hydrogen gas generated in a small tank.

However it pays to be careful

Effective fume extraction should be used to remove hydrogen gas evolved during etching.

PRELUDE ALU-ETCH is alkaline and therefore protective clothing including goggles, gloves and apron are recommended when handling.

Any splashes should be rinsed immediately with clean water.

Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible

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