Acid pickling is a process that is used on steel to remove inorganic contaminants such as rust, scale, & laser oxides. If not removed prior to coating, these contaminants can prevent adhesion of the subsequent coating. The acid can be either an immersion or spray process utilizing a dilute acid such as Hydrochloric or Phosphoric acid.
Springco Metal Coating has two lines with Acid pickle capabilities:
Large Batch System (immersion HCl): Part profile: 72” x 24” x 36” & up to 1,000#s
In-line System (spray H3HPO4): Part profile: 72” x 72” x 36” & up to 400#s
The in-line system is a step of the Zinc Phosphate pretreatment system that will e-coat &/or powder parts. Many Automotive OEMs now require welded & laser cut parts to have an in-line acid pickle component of the cleaning process. Normal Alkaline cleaning systems are not designed to remove inorganic contaminants.
Springco currently e-coats & powders GM parts that meet their strict 15-year corrosion requirements.