Need a better process....

[cuemaker]

We have to remove the galvanizing from the ends of studs for many hundreds of pieces of varying diameters (7/16 to 1")

Normally we get very small quantities and have been doing it by hand with a air collet holder, a collet stop, and a die...

Is there something more "automated".. I have a lathe, mill, drill press....

Thanks

[Jon Heron]

Muriatic acid does the trick pretty quickly.
Cheers,
Jon

[Hot Bob]

I agree with the muratic acid. Been doing it that way for galv and cad plating for 25 years.

Bob

[Duffy]

I agree with muriatic acid. BUT if the OP is not familiar with it, here are some suggestions. Dilute it at least 2:1 giving about a 10% solution. This will fume a lot less. Get three shallow plastic trays. Since they might have to be "soldier-proof," short trays cut from plastic 55-gal, (209 l) drums would work. Fill tray #1 to the depth that you want to strip the zinc with the 10% acid, tray #2 with plain water, (rinse,) and tray #3 with a solution, (again I suggest 10%,) of baking soda to neutralize the acid. Then it is a simple assembly line.

[achtanelion]

If you're diluting, remember Always Add Acid. Don't add the water to the acid, or it could cause the acid to boil and spit globs of boiling acid at you.

[lakeside53]

20% Muriatic as used to clean concrete will remove the galv almost immediately. When it stops fizzing, it's done. First item I did it on pipe ends I thought I'd exhausted the acid in a few seconds - nope - the galv was all gone!

[olcop]

As it comes from the store, it can produce a rather violent reaction, I made a "tank" out of 2"PVC pipe and capped one end and filled it with muratic acid just as it came from the store, tossed in a 4 ft section of 3/4" galvanized pipe and it boiled out the open end very quickly, cleaned the pipe readily, but it can be dangerous if you aren't careful.
olcop

[danlb]

If you have the time and are not willing to work with a strong acid, you can use vinegar overnight to get the same effect. Dangle the studs in a vinegar bath and the plating will be gone in the morning.


Dan