Degreasing method for electroplating organic solvent
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September 28 06:21:26, 2025
In electroplating production lines, proper degreasing of the workpiece is essential before plating. One effective method is the use of organic solvents for cleaning. Let’s take a closer look at the different techniques used in this process:
1. **Immersion Method**
This technique involves submerging the metal part into a bath of organic solvent. The solvent dissolves the grease on the surface, while mechanical action—such as stirring or using brushes—helps remove insoluble dirt. To improve efficiency, the temperature can be increased, and immersion time can be extended. In some cases, the flow rate of the solvent is also adjusted to enhance the cleaning effect. Various organic solvents can be used, depending on the material and type of contamination.
2. **Spray Method**
With the spray method, an organic solvent is pumped through nozzles and sprayed onto the surface of the metal workpiece. This continuous spraying helps dissolve and carry away grease and dirt. The pressure typically ranges from 70 to 120 kPa. Higher pressure increases the mechanical force of the spray, making it more effective for removing particulate contaminants like dust, carbon, and sand. While volatile solvents like gasoline and methylene chloride are commonly used, other solvents must be handled in closed systems to prevent evaporation and environmental impact.
3. **Vapor Method**
The vapor degreasing method uses heated organic solvent to create a vapor phase. The workpiece is placed in this vapor zone, where the grease is dissolved by the solvent vapors. As the vapor condenses on the workpiece, it drips back into the liquid below, creating a continuous cycle. This ensures that the solvent remains clean during the process, leading to high surface cleanliness. For this method, the solvent should have specific properties: high oil solubility, low heat of vaporization, a suitable boiling point, and a higher density than air to minimize evaporation loss.
4. **Combined Treatment Methods**
For complex parts with deep holes or stubborn grease, a combination of methods is often used. These include immersion followed by steam or spray degreasing, or a mix of all three.
- **Steam-Immersion Combination**: The workpiece is first immersed in a solvent to remove heavy dirt, then cleaned with steam to ensure thorough drying.
- **Spray-Vapor Combination**: Spraying the solvent first loosens the grease, followed by steam to complete the cleaning. This method requires precise control and maintenance.
- **Steam-Immersion-Spray Combination**: This approach combines the best aspects of each method, ensuring maximum cleanliness, especially for mass-produced or heavily contaminated parts.
These organic solvent-based degreasing techniques are widely used in electroplating to ensure optimal surface preparation, leading to better coating adhesion and quality. Each method has its own advantages, and the choice depends on the type of workpiece, level of contamination, and production requirements.