Near Neutral descaling . Improving Paint performance in welding and laser cutting operations.

As consumer’s aesthetic preferences and demand for longer lasting products has increased in recent years, the need for manufacturers to improve paint coverage and corrosion resistance of welded and laser cut components has likewise increased. The formation of oxide scale from welding and laser cutting operations creates a barrier for optimal paint adhesion, necessitating its removal prior to paint application. Conventional scale removal methods can be effective but are often unsustainable, can pose severe HES risks and are not cost-effective. The most economical and efficient method for removing oxide scale is achieved through chemical descaling; however, along with the associated HES risks, traditional strong acid chemistries have high etch rates that result in short bath life and a difficult to manage waste stream. Innovations in near neutral pH descaling chemistries help minimize these risks while offering improved performance. Agenda Conventional scale removal methods and associated disadvantages Benefits of near neutral pH scale removal Atotech’s portfolio of descaling products Scale removal performance evaluations Case studies