Stripping Copper Plate from Steel
Is there a way to remove copper plate from an assembled part?
Q. We have copper-plated SA-675 carbon steel components that are welded to a larger steel assembly. We have now learned that the end user of these parts will not allow the use of copper-plated components. Is there a way of removing the copper plate from the assembled part? –C.J.
A. Copper plate can be removed from steel using chemical stripping solutions, but I don’t personally prefer to use them for two reasons: 1) There is a high risk of etching or otherwise damaging the base material if the process is not carefully controlled, and 2) there is a risk that you won’t remove all of the plated deposit.
The most common chemical stripping method uses the following chemical solution:
Chemical Component |
Concentration* |
Chromic acid |
250 g/L |
Sulfuric acid |
2.5 g/L |
*Operating temperature: 120o to 130oF
Another procedure that is sometimes used involves the following:
Chemical Component |
Concentration** |
Ammonium persulfate |
50/g/L |
Ammonia |
15 ml/L |
**Operating temperature: 75o to 80oF
Both methods use materials that require great care. Your best bet, in my opinion, is to scrap the parts and start over!
Related Content
-
An Overview of Electroless Nickel Plating
By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.
-
Cleaning, Pretreatment to Meet Medical Specs ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR820
Maximilian Kessler from SurTec explains new practices for industrial parts cleaning, metal pretreatment and decorative electroplating in the medical device industry.
-
How to Maximize Nickel Plating Performance
The advantages of boric acid-free nickel plating include allowing manufacturers who utilize nickel plating to keep up the ever-changing regulatory policies and support sustainability efforts.