WorldExecutivesDigest.com | Understanding the Uses of Stainless Steel Weld Cleaning Machine | Most of the DIY welders and experts who use stainless steel know that the heating and welding processes can cause stains on the metal. This imperfection affects the appearance of the final project and looks like done by an untrained welder. Hence, learning the proper way to remove the stain after welding is essential.
One of the most common ways is to make use of a stainless steel weld cleaning machine. Professionals are familiar with these tools since the quality of their projects heavily relies on the final appearance of the stainless steel. The welding company invests in good quality weld cleaning equipment to guarantee expected results and not compromise the condition of their output.
Kinds of weld cleaning procedures
There are several procedures for cleaning stainless steel after welding–electrochemical, chemical, and mechanical. To prepare the top layer and get rid of dirt after cleaning, it must undergo a brushing phase.
Mechanical type
This is one of the popular cleaning methods and the least expensive. It requires grinding tools and abrasives to remove particles and stains from the surfaces of the metal, where it is prone to have rust issues. However, this requires more time and generates marginal results on the stainless steel’s aesthetics. This is ideal for surfaces that are much more accessible.
Chemical type
This type requires chemical-based paste in the post-welding cleaning procedure. The mixture is spread all over the stained areas with a spray or brush from a stainless steel weld cleaning machine. The welder will leave the surface for a while so the chemicals can work their magic on the metal. Then, the paste is wiped out, and a neutralizing product will be used to balance out the surface. This is known to be effective in cleaning the steel following a fabrication process.
Professional welders will always remind that only operators who are certified are allowed to apply the chemical paste. And they must wear the necessary protective gear to avoid any potential contact with the harmful chemical, which can cause serious skin damage.
Electrochemical type
Electropolishing, the typical term for the electrochemical type, is the most effective among other procedures of cleaning the steel. It is safer, quicker and much preferred by the welding professionals than the rest of the processes. It has no health hazards for the workers. Aside from cleaning, this method is also useful in getting rid of rust, contamination-transfer, and other stain issues on the metal’s top layer.
Various kinds of electrochemical cleaning process
There are two cleaning approaches under the electrochemical procedure. These methods have similar requirements, which is electricity to eliminate discoloration.
In the first method, the electrolytic fluids are manually applied to the affected area through a carbon brush. The electricity that goes through the metal will cause a reaction to the electricity liquid, which then makes a spotless-clean surface.
On the other hand, the second method will require a certain electrolytic bath for the metal items in the electrolytic fluid. As the electricity goes through the solution, it makes a chemical reaction that eliminates welding stain issues or rust from the top layer.
Several welders prefer to work on stainless steel-based projects since it is known for its durability, appearance and low maintenance, and stronger corrosion-resistant ability. Thus, they would typically go for the most effective cleaning approach, which is the electrochemical type, for guaranteed results.
