If boiling is necessary, I mix in a bit of vinegar and let it work its magic before scrubbing lightly with a brush.Īnother great trick I use involves lemons and salt for a natural and effective scrub. I’ll prepare a solution of very hot water with a few drops of dish soap for soaking to loosen the oxidized spots. If I start seeing white spots or discoloration, that’s my cue to take action. To tackle aluminum oxidation, I always begin by regularly cleaning my aluminum items with dish soap and water, ensuring I remove any residue that could lead to oxidation. Sometimes, I make a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide for a thorough cleaning.If I’m dealing with heavy corrosion, I apply a lemon and salt mixture for scrubbing.Often, I boil water and vinegar to treat the surface, then scrub with a soft brush.For tougher spots, I mix hot water with strong dish soap and let it soak.I start by giving aluminum items a regular wipe after use.However, it may not be best for very small or big areas because of how tedious it is.I love keeping my home items in top shape, which is why I’ve mastered how to clean oxidized aluminum. This method is ideal for medium-sized surface areas, like the rim of automotive wheels. Dry with microfiber and add anti-corrosion polish. Once the aluminum oxidation is removed, use a microfiber cloth to remove the dust and spray it down with a hose. Starting with 240-320 grit sandpaper, smooth the surface and work your way up to fine grit sandpaper of 800-1,000 grit. When the area reaches satisfactory cleanliness, it must be dried again with a microfiber cloth. Pressurized hoses help make the surface as clean as possible. Once the area is as clean as possible with the microfiber towel, the area must be washed with soap and water. The oxidized aluminum can be sanded off with a sanding machine or by manually sanding the part.įirst, use a microfiber towel to get the oxidized aluminum area as clean as possible. It requires a few steps of cleaning pre and post-sanding. Fine Grit Sandpaper Fine-grit sandpaper is an effective way to remove oxidation without chemicals or heat. Medical devices benefit from laser ablation because of the corners and curves that may harvest oxidation. Laser ablation is unique in that it can target precise areas of oxidation even in hard-to-reach spots of non geometric shaped parts. Laser ablation is ideal for manufacturing operations, and excels with parts smaller than 30cm x 30cm. Instead, the removal process takes a few seconds and is completed in one step. There isn’t any scrubbing, soaking, or rinsing involved. Using a laser is an automated process, instead of the manual methods. However, at KEYENCE, we recommend a fiber laser or a hybrid laser because of the power capabilities. There are different types of lasers used for laser ablation. Ablation works by using a powerful laser beam with short pulse frequencies to heat the oxidation to the point of evaporation. Laser Ablation Laser ablation, also known as laser cleaning, is an automated method for removing aluminum oxidation. Additionally, it doesn’t risk creating accidental holes, cavities, or deformities that may affect the functionality of the part, which is possible with sanding.Ģ. For instance, the aerospace industry can benefit from these soaks because of the frequent copper, zinc, and magnesium alloys with aluminum. These chemicals do not have a reaction with the other metals in the alloy and leave behind a clean finish. Using chemical sprays or soaks is preferable in low volume settings, especially if the part is an aluminum alloy. The brand, chemicals, and intensity of aluminum oxidation will determine how long this process takes and specific instructions. Spray or soak the infected area with the chemicals, scrub, and rinse. These sprays are made of hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid, which requires more protective gear than DIY methods.
Chemical Sprays or Soaks Chemical sprays or soaks are sold at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target and are used for intense oxide removals, such as on automobiles or boats. Industrial Continuous Inkjet Printers / CIJ Printersġ.LVDT / Contact Displacement Sensors (Probes).Spectral Interference Displacement Sensor.