A System for Chemical Polishing 300 Series Stainless Steel RDZ-1815
ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) is an acidic bath used for cleaning, polishing and passivating 300 Series (austenitic) Stainless Steel to render it suitable for use in extreme environments (such as high vacuum, medical or aerospace applications). ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) leaves a brilliant specular finish, free of etching, hydrogen embrittlement, or halide-induced stress cracking. The surface is cleaned completely of any organic contamination, is free of soluble inorganic residues and has highly reduced particulate count. ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) gives maximum brilliance with minimum material loss, approximately 0.0001 inch (1/10 mil) per minute.PRE-TREATMENT:
ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) is preceded by a cleaner, ideally MicroClean Ti™ (RDZ-1849), followed by a rinse. If weld scale is present after cleaning, the part should be treated in Alkaline Descale (RDZ-1734) for 90 minutes at 200°+ F, followed by a water rinse and a 30-second dip in Descale Remover (RDZ-1735). This removes the weld scale and prepares the surface for a uniform chemical polish (see Product Data Sheet for Alkaline Descale).
MAKE-UP:
ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) is used as supplied at 175 ± 5° F for 2 to 5 minutes (typically). IMPORTANT: DO NOT allow bath temperature to fall below 170°F.
OPERATION:
ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) may be controlled/monitored by titration, or specific gravity, or color. Certain alloys (especially high carbon) of Stainless may raise a black smut while being polished. This can be removed by a short (30-180 second) dip in room temperature 50% Nitric acid.
EQUIPMENT:
Very ruggedly constructed polypropylene tanks, reinforced for high-temperature use, are required. Teflon or PVDF may be used, but these are usually too costly. Teflon steam coils are the best method of heating the bath. Quartz electrical heaters may also be used. However, some form of mild agitation to keep the solution moving over heaters is recommended. This prevents localized overheating and minimizes brightener decomposition.
DISPOSAL:
ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) is strongly acidic:
used solutions will contain dissolved nickel and chrome metals that will precipitate when neutralized to pH 9.0. Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations. Contact your RD Chemical representative for further information.
RD Chemical Company makes these recommendations in good faith, based on laboratory and field testing. Ultimate responsibility for propriety of use, however, must rest with the purchaser and user. RD Chemical Company recommends thorough testing of its products, before use.
SAFETY:
Caution should be exercised in handling ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) or any of the additives. The ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) system is highly acidic and will cause permanent eye damage if contact is made and may cause skin lesions if not washed off promptly. Accordingly, it is important to wear complete eye protection and clothing that is resistant to dilute acids when working with ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) or the additives. When the ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) bath is in operation, it gives off various oxides of nitrogen and other acidic gases. Therefore, a ventilation system capable of providing airflow of 75 feet per minute away from the operator is required. This will necessitate between 100 and 800 cubic feet per minute airflow for each lineal foot of operating side of the tank, depending upon the design of tank and ducting. Consult Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY | KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN | FOR COMMERCIAL USE ONLY
ChemPolish SS™ (RDZ-1815) is available in 5, 15 and 55 gallon poly drums.
RD Chemical Company makes these recommendations in good faith, based on laboratory and field testing. Ultimate responsibility for propriety of use, however, must rest with the purchaser and user. RD Chemical Company recommends thorough testing of its products, before use.