Cleaning Aluminum for Welding

CLEANING ALUMINUM SURFACES FOR WELDING: Common Methods

Oil, grease, moisture, and dust. (Use any method listed.)

• Wipe with mild alkaline solution.
• Wipe with hydrocarbon solvent, such as acetone or alcohol.
• Wipe with proprietary solvents.
• Dip edges, using any of above.

• Vapor degrease.
• Spray degrease.
• Steam degrease.
• Immerse in alkaline solvent.
• Immerse in proprietary solvents.

• Dip edge in strong alkaline solution, then water, then nitric acid. Finish with water rinse.
• Wipe with proprietary deoxidizers.
• Remove mechanically, such as by wire-brushing, filing, or grinding. For critical applications, scrape all joints and adjacent surfaces immediately prior to welding.

• Immerse in strong alkaline solution, then water, then nitric acid. Finish with water rinse.
• Immerse in proprietary solutions.