Three Minutes to Understand the Process of Removing Multilayer Coatings

Want to quickly master the core techniques for removing multiple layers of plating? In just three minutes we'll take you through the practical steps, common techniques, and precautions to be aware of, including chemical dissolution and mechanical grinding. This is suitable for those in the industrial maintenance and precision machining fields who want to get to grips with the subject quickly.

When do you need to remove the multi-layer coatings?

Multilayer coatings are commonly used for precision parts, electronic components, and high-end decorations, but when these coatings age, or when there is a need for refurbishment, it becomes necessary to consider stripping off these layers of material.For example, if the plating on a mobile phone motherboard has oxidized and is causing poor contact, or if the plating needs to be removed from a car wheel rim before it can be refurbished, knowing how to remove the plating can save a lot of trouble.

A comparison of the three main methods of removing the main pollutants.

Chemical solution.

This method uses chemicals to eat away the plating.In the process, the parts are soaked in an acid or alkaline solution, and controlling the concentration and time of the soaking is critical. If the concentration is too high, it can damage the base material, and if the time is too short, the parts won't be cleaned properly.Remember to wear protective gloves and make sure there is good ventilation!

The mechanical grinding method.

Sandpaper and sandblasters are used directly on the surface, and although the process is simple and brutal, it is quick and effective.It is especially effective against hard coatings (such as chrome), but it requires a high degree of skill in handling. A slip of the hand can cause the part to be ground into a pit.It is suggested that you first try two stitches in a place where they will not be conspicuous, to get a feel for the work before you start in earnest.

Electrolytic stripping.

The electrolytic method uses an electric current to separate the coating from the base material.This method requires a high level of technical skill, but it is the most uniform of the three methods.If you don't have professional equipment at home, it is recommended that you get a factory to do the work for you.

A guide for the novice.

Don't start by attacking the chemical agents! First, take a sample and test it to determine the reaction time and the substrate's tolerance.When dealing with multiple layers of different materials (such as copper, nickel, and gold), they must be removed layer by layer, starting at the outermost layer. Trying to remove everything in one fell swoop is a recipe for disaster.After processing, remember to use an ultrasonic cleaning machine to remove any remaining impurities. Otherwise, the next step of processing will be affected.

Do you have all these tools?

Safety glasses and a gas mask are essential for protection, and don't forget pH paper, a thermometer and a stopwatch.If you want to try this at home, we recommend using a temperature-controlled heater with a plastic basin, which is much safer than a tin bucket and gas stove.Professional players can prepare a microscope to observe the progress of the stripping process at any time, so as to avoid over-processing.