How to use degreasing agent in machining?

Application of degreasing agent in machining

Degreasing agents play a vital role in the machining process. They are mainly used to remove grease, dirt and other contaminants from the surface of the workpiece to ensure the smooth progress of subsequent processing steps and the quality of the final product. This article will discuss in detail the application of degreasing agents in machining, including its working principle, types, usage methods and precautions.

1. The working principle of degreasing agent

The main function of the degreasing agent is to remove grease, dirt and other contaminants on the surface of the workpiece through chemical or physical action. Its working principle mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Emulsification: The surfactant in the degreaser can emulsify the grease and disperse it in water, making it easier to clean.

2. Dissolving effect: Some degreasing agents contain organic solvents that can directly dissolve grease and remove it from the surface of the workpiece.

3. Wetting effect: Degreasers can reduce the surface tension of water, making it easier for it to penetrate into the tiny gaps of the workpiece, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

4. Chemical reaction: Some degreasers contain alkaline or acidic components that can react chemically with grease to produce water-soluble substances, thereby removing grease.

2. Types of degreasing agents

According to different chemical compositions and uses, degreasers can be divided into the following categories:

1. Alkaline degreasing agent: The main ingredients are alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, which are suitable for removing grease and organic pollutants. Alkaline degreasing agent has strong decontamination ability, but it is corrosive to certain metal materials (such as aluminum, zinc, etc.).

2. Acidic degreasing agent: The main ingredients are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and other acidic substances, suitable for removing oxides and rust on the metal surface. Acidic degreasing agents are highly corrosive to metal materials and should be used with caution.

3. Organic solvent degreasing agent: The main ingredients are organic solvents such as acetone, alcohol, gasoline, etc., which are suitable for removing grease and organic pollutants. Organic solvent degreasing agent is non-corrosive to metal materials, but it is flammable and explosive, so please pay attention to safety when using it.

4. Neutral degreaser: The main component is surfactant, suitable for removing light grease and dirt. Neutral degreaser is non-corrosive to metal materials and safe to use, but its decontamination ability is relatively weak.

3. How to use the degreasing agent

In machining, the use of degreasing agents mainly includes the following methods:

1. Immersion method: Immerse the workpiece in the degreaser solution for a certain period of time to allow the degreaser to fully penetrate the workpiece surface and remove grease and dirt. The immersion method is suitable for small workpieces and mass production.

2. Spraying method: Spray the degreasing agent solution onto the workpiece surface through the spraying equipment, and use the impact force of the spray and the chemical action of the degreasing agent to remove grease and dirt. The spraying method is suitable for large workpieces and continuous production lines.

3. Ultrasonic cleaning method: Place the workpiece in an ultrasonic cleaning tank filled with a degreasing agent solution, and use the cavitation effect of ultrasound to make the degreasing agent more easily penetrate into the tiny gaps of the workpiece, thereby improving the cleaning effect. Ultrasonic cleaning method is suitable for precision workpieces and occasions with high cleanliness requirements.

4. Wiping method: Wipe the surface of the workpiece with a cloth or sponge soaked in a degreaser to remove grease and dirt through mechanical friction and the chemical action of the degreaser. The wiping method is suitable for local cleaning and manual operation.

4. Precautions in the use of degreasing agent

When using a degreaser, pay attention to the following points:

1. Choose the right degreasing agent: Choose the right degreasing agent based on the material of the workpiece, the type of contaminants and the cleaning requirements. For example, for aluminum workpieces, a neutral degreasing agent that is non-corrosive to aluminum should be selected.

2. Control the concentration and temperature of the degreasing agent: The concentration and temperature of the degreasing agent directly affect its decontamination effect. Generally speaking, the higher the concentration and the higher the temperature, the better the decontamination effect, but too high a concentration and temperature may cause damage to the workpiece, so it needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation.

3. Pay attention to safety protection: The chemical components in the degreaser may be harmful to the human body. Wear protective gloves, masks and goggles when using it to avoid direct contact with the skin and inhalation of vapor.

4. Waste liquid treatment: The waste liquid generated after the use of the degreasing agent may contain harmful substances and must be treated in accordance with environmental protection requirements to avoid pollution to the environment.

5. Replace the degreaser regularly: The degreaser will gradually become ineffective during use and needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the cleaning effect.

5. Specific application of degreasing agent in mechanical processing

1. Metal cutting: During the metal cutting process, contaminants such as cutting fluid, grease and metal chips will adhere to the workpiece surface. The use of degreasing agents can effectively remove these contaminants and provide a clean surface for subsequent cleaning, coating or heat treatment processes.

2. Welding and brazing: During the welding and brazing process, grease, oxides and other contaminants will adhere to the surface of the workpiece, affecting the welding quality. Using a degreasing agent can remove these contaminants and improve the strength and sealing of the welded joint.

3. Surface treatment: In the surface treatment processes such as electroplating, spraying, and anodizing, the cleanliness of the workpiece surface directly affects the treatment effect. Using a degreasing agent can remove grease and dirt on the workpiece surface and improve the quality and adhesion of the surface treatment.

4. Assembly and maintenance: During the assembly and maintenance of mechanical equipment, grease and dirt on the surface of parts may affect the assembly accuracy and operating performance. Using a degreasing agent can clean the surface of parts and ensure the quality of assembly and maintenance.

6. Conclusion

Degreasing agents are widely used and important in mechanical processing. By selecting appropriate degreasing agents and using them correctly, grease and dirt on the surface of workpieces can be effectively removed, improving processing quality and production efficiency. However, when using degreasing agents, attention should be paid to safety protection and environmental protection requirements to ensure operational safety and environmental protection. With the advancement of science and technology, the research and development and application of new degreasing agents will further promote the development of mechanical processing technology.