Metal Casting Cleaning
Metal casting cleaning is the process of removing surface dirt, debris and other contamination from metal parts. This is usually done after a casting has been poured, molded and cooled to ensure that the part is clean and ready for further processing, such as machining, finishing or assembly.
Cleanliness is essential in metal casting processes, as it has an influence on the accuracy and quality of the final part. Depending on the requirements, a variety of methods can be used to achieve the removing or transport of surface contaminants, such as water-soluble acids, detergents and solvents, abrasive blasting, and tumbling.
Water-soluble acid solutions are often used in metal casting cleaning operations. These solutions contain a variety of acids, such as phosphoric acid, chromic acid, nitric acid, and hydrofluoric acid. This type of cleaning is ideal for removing surface iron oxides and even for removing some of the metal itself. The acid solution is usually heated, and then the metal part is immersed in it. After a certain period of time, the acid solution is removed, and the metal part is rinsed with water.
Another method of metal casting cleaning is abrasive blasting. This process utilizes a high pressure stream of abrasive material, such as sand, alumina or glass bead, to remove surface contaminants from metal parts. This method is effective for the removal of paints, dirt, oils, and other contaminants.
Tumbling is yet another method that is often used for metal casting cleaning. This process utilizes a rotating tumbling drum and different types of media, such as plastic or steel shots, to clean metal parts. The parts are placed in the drum and the media is added. As the drum rotates, the media impacts the surface of the parts, thus dislodging and removing any contaminants that might be present on the parts.
Cleaning is an important step in the metal casting process. It is essential for achieving accuracy and for increasing production efficiency. Depending on the requirements, any of the above mentioned methods can be used to attain a clean and contaminant-free metal part.
