Metal degreasing

Metal degreasing is a crucial step in various industrial processes, especially in metal processing and manufacturing. This procedure aims to remove grease, oil, lubricants and other contaminants from the surface of metal parts to ensure a clean and prepared surface for further processing such as coating, painting or welding.

Metal degreasing is typically done by soaking the metal parts in a cleaning bath or by applying cleaning solutions to the surface. These cleaning agents can be alkaline, acidic or solvent-based, depending on the type of soiling and the requirements of the process.

Alkaline cleaners are commonly found in metal degreasing as they are effective at emulsifying and dissolving grease and oil residues. They work by saponifying fats and oils, allowing them to be dissolved in water and removed from the surface of the metal. In addition to cleaning baths, steam cleaning methods or high-pressure cleaners can also be used to remove grease and oil from metal parts. These methods offer fast and effective cleaning, especially for large-volume or hard-to-reach parts.

Thorough metal degreasing is crucial to ensure a high-quality surface and improve the adhesion of coatings or other materials to the metal. It also helps to extend the life of tools and machinery by reducing deposits and wear. Overall, metal degreasing is an important step in metal processing and manufacturing that helps to improve the quality, reliability and performance of metal products.

Back to list

This definition is taken from the surface technology encyclopedia from Surface Technology Online. You can find many more technical terms from the surface technology industry in our lexicon overview.

Advertisement

Would you like to add technical terms to the surface technology encyclopedia (also with a mention as author)? Please contact us by mail or phone to discuss further details.