Labrat

Re: Ultrasonics?

I am in the process of engineering a way to remove copper and brass build-up from steel stamping tools. The stamping tool contains very small letters that accumulate brass or copper from the stamping operation, which is difficult to remove without damaging the tool. Does anyone know if an ultrasonics approach would work in this application? What solution matrix should I use? Will it attack tool steel?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Shane

ck1999

Re: Ultrasonics?

If you are planning on removing the copper and brass chemically you need to keep in mind that a lot of stamping tools are made with cobalt to increase the strength of the tool.  The same chemicals that will chelate the brass and copper will also chelate the cobalt, which would be detrimental for the tooling.

ck1999

Labrat

Re: Ultrasonics?

Thank you for the response CK. Our tools do contain cobalt so a chelator is out of the question. Since the brass is only mechanically stamped into the recesses, do you think the ultrasonics approach would remove the brass by agitation? I do not need to dissolve the brass and chelate, only remove it from the recesses as a solid.

Thanks in advance.

ck1999

Re: Ultrasonics?

It would depend if the brass is "stuck" in the crevasses of the stamping tools or chemically bonded to the tool. With the heat generated and pressure from stamping the brass may be imbedded to tightly for an ultrasonic to remove the brass.  How big are the tools?  A small ultrasonic can be purchased for very little cost if you would want to evaluate a few parts and then look at purchasing a larger ultrasonic if it works. 

Are you currently using a stamping fluid?

ck1999

vamfox

Re: Ultrasonics?

This may be a late reply.
So far that I know, ultrasonic is a non-destructive process that inspect from a surface to the other surface of a metal.
May i know is your problem solved?

DustinGebhardt

Re: Ultrasonics?

Also keep in mind that there are differences in ultrasonic generators.  Peizo-electric and magnetorestrictive generators have different frequency ranges and power.  One may work better than the other for your application.

-Dustin Gebhardt, CEF

Advanced Manufacturing/Finishing Engineer

Moen

Sanford, NC