Pre-cleaning

For pre-cleaning metals

Following the mechanical processing of metals, these can be polluted with various auxiliary materials, such as cooling emulsions or greases. Moreover, metals are subject to oxidation processes which, depending on the type of metal, form a dense covering layer. These surface layers are disturbing during a subsequent coating with metal or organic coating materials, as they prevent or partially interfere with the adhesion of the coating. For these reasons, metallic components must be cleaned in most cases.

Water-based degreasing solutions are used for cleaning in electroplating. The cleaning efficiency is significantly supported by heat or ultrasound.

Cleaning units in electroplating:

• Electrolytic degreasing
• Degreasing with boiling water
• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Etching

Precleaning – Degreasing

In the processing of materials, especially metals, oils and greases are used. These separate the base material and the coating of the work pieces. For further galvanic surface treatment, these residues can have a disturbing effect or even prevent the coating process. For this reason, the workpieces must be degreased before coating.

Besides pre-treatment basins, the pre-treatment units for barrel or rack goods can be equipped with a boiling degreasing system, electrolytic degreasing and cascade rinsing. Suitable edge extracting devices or extraction covers ensure a clean room environment.

COMPACTA boiling degreasing, electrolytic degreasing

Pre-cleaning – Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic cleaning of components enables the efficient, material-friendly and fast removal of contaminants such as particles, chips and dust. Due to the effect of the sound waves, the use of cleaning chemicals can be reduced. Additionally, components with complex structures and areas that are difficult to access, such as holes or gaps, can be cleaned easily.

COMPACTA with integrated ultrasonic basin

Pre-cleaning - Pickling

Pickling removes scale and other contaminants from metallic components. Furthermore, it increases corrosion resistance in the long term. After professional pickling, surfaces and weld seams are clean and free of scale layers and tarnish.

The COMPACTA range of equipment is adapted to the different pickling processes. Accordingly, the pickling process can be carried out chemically by means of the immersion procedure. On the other hand, there is the anodic process by ablation under the influence of direct current in specially equipped units.

The following metals can be pre-treated and pickled on the respective units:

• Stainless steel
• Steel
• Copper and copper alloys
• Aluminium
• Titanium and titanium alloys
• etc.

Pickling unit