Trial Purpose:
To evaluate two new products for graphite removal from aluminum parts using ultrasonic cleaning
Date Run:
09/16/2005Experiment Procedure:
Two formulations were selected for testing based on vendor recommendations. One products was similar to Coil Bright in its formulation and the second product contained phosphoric acid. Both products were diluted to 20% and if successful to 10%. Each solution was suspended in water heated to 130 in a Crest Ultrasonic 40 kHz tank. The solutions were degassed for five minutes.
One presoiled baked coupon coated with the Acheson Colloids Co Aquadag M mold release agent (CAS#: 7782-42-5, 84122-50-6, 70131-67-8, 1333-86-4, 107-21-1, 9002-84-0) was suspended in each solution and cleaned for 10 minutes using ultrasonic energy. Parts were then rinsed with tap water at 120 F for 15 seconds and dried using compressed air at room temperature for 30 seconds. Cleaned parts were then visually inspected and compared to each other. In addition, the parts were also compared to the client supplied cleaned parts.
Trial Results:
Both products performed very well at the 20% concentration. Both products resulted in parts that looked as clean as the finished product samples. The 10% concentration need more time to achieve effective results. Observations are listed in the table below.
| Cleaner | Dilution | Observation |
| #1 | 20% | Immediate removal of graphite |
| Parts were brighter than cleaner #2 at 4 minutes | ||
| End part was cleaner than acid washed samples | ||
| At or near Finished products, similar to Coil Bright | ||
| #2 | 20% | Immediate removal of graphite |
| Graphite removed faster than #1 @20% at 2 minutes | ||
| End part was cleaner than acid washed samples | ||
| Near Finished products | ||
| #1 | 10% | Slower initial graphite removal |
| All graphite removed at 5 minutes, not bright | ||
| Better than acid washed samples | ||
| Near Finished products | ||
| #2 | 10% | Slightly faster than #1 @10% for graphite removal |
| Almost all graphite removed at 5 minutes, some on back | ||
| Better than acid washed samples | ||
| Near Finished products |
Success Rating:
A follow up test, usually based on company input.Conclusion:
Initial results show that the two supplied products were comparable to the Coil Bright cleaner previously tested. Parts have been sent to client for analysis.
