Topic: Polishing Stainless Without the EPA Possible?
Hello Finishing Talk Members,
I manufacture custom birdcages for the exotic bird market. In the past I've used mild steel and finished by bead blasting and then powdercoating. I'd like to offer the product in stainless, but cannot find an appropriate inhouse finishing system to remove the oxides from the brazing process.
These cages are large - the size of an 85 gallon drum and larger, and have hundreds of cross-wire welds. So obviously hand polishing is out. Bead blasting the joints leaves a satin finish that is too time consuming to polish. They are too large to tumble. An immersion process would be the way to go, but ultrasonics in citric acid only removes about 50 - 60 % of the oxides.
Electropolishing seems perfect, but I'd like to avoid serious mineral acids like hydrofluoric and nitric due to the sheer amount necessary, and the desire to keep the EPA and board of health away from our shop. Looks like we've hit a brick wall! Any ideas, info, or websites to check out would sure be appreciated!


www.handmadebirdcages.com