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Old 03-09-2006, 11:18 AM
dfarning dfarning is offline
Amateur Metal Finisher
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Default Re: de-smuting zinc die-cast

Hey Sean,

Right now I am using Washing Soda as a source of Sodium Carbonate 1/2 cups per 5 gallons water and Dawn detergent at 1/4 cups per 5 gallons.

I have tried lye but it seems to etch the die-cast if you are not careful.

I degrease in a hot tank before deoxing.

I have a proprietary product on order that has some special inhibitors to prevent zinc die-cast etching. I'll let you know how it works.

For electrodes I have tried sheet metal which wears out quickly and rebar which does not seem to have enough surface area. I have settled on stainless steel sheet which works really well. I lined 3 X 20 gallon tanks with one 4x6 ft sheet of 16 ga ss sheet. The sheet was a bit pricey at $120

If you go with the stainless steel you will need to be careful with the bath solution. Wear gloves and take your sludge to the local transfer station.

I have started using distilled water (via RO) to make up the bath, my local tap water has a lot of calcium the seems to coat the electrodes.

Dave
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