Pickling | Surface Finishes for Metal and Plastic Parts

Pickling

Description

Pickling is a metal cleaning process that uses very strong acids to clean the metal of certain types of surface conditions. These conditions include mill scale, oxides, impurities and stains. The solution of acid used when pickling is called the pickling liquor. During the process, the metal is submersed in the pickle liquor for a set amount of time and then removed.

Technical properties


Sharp edges and burrs	Removed
Premium appearance availability	No
Tolerances	Met after surface finish

Colors

Applicable to all pantone colors

Applicable Materials

Alloy steel

Aluminum

Brass

Copper

Mild steel

Spring steel

Stainless steel

Titanium

Tool steel

Example of an Pickling part

Design considerations for Pickling

Pickling can cause surface damage to the metal if not done properly. Over-pickling can result in the removal of too much material, leading to a loss of detail or texture. Under-pickling may leave impurities or oxides on the surface, which can affect the appearance and performance of the metal.
Pickling is primarily used for metal surfaces and may not be suitable for other materials. Additionally, not all metals are suitable for pickling as some may react negatively with the acid solution.
While pickling can be a cost-effective surface finishing process, it may not be the most economical choice for all projects. The cost of the acid solution, disposal, and safety equipment must be taken into consideration when deciding on a surface finishing process.

The Justway Pickling process

Pickling is a relatively simple and cost-effective surface finishing process that can be tailored to the specific needs of the metal being treated. Let’s break down the basic steps for pickling a part: