Friday, December 18, 2009

Will machine oil burn off when melting metal?

I have some brass covered with a high grade Engineered Lubriants Endraw HDC-OB-1 Part No. 171101 and I want to melt the brass and seperate it so I can reuse it. I am however concerned that the oil might not be removed during the melting process, and leave the metal impure when molded. I have heard of some sort of acid bath wash that can be applied to brass, but do not know if that is necessary in this situation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Will machine oil burn off when melting metal?
Unless the machine oil contains graphite or silicon it will burn off at a lower temperature than the melting point of brass.


If you want to remove the lubricant before melting it, spray it with a detergent, scrub and rinse with water until the brass loses its oily feel.Will machine oil burn off when melting metal?
Normally when melting or brazing u use a flux to prevent surface oxidation ,it is a little expensive but u could use 20 mule team Borax . When u get it real hot just beginning to melt there will be a little oxide layer ,so sprinkle a little Borax over it and keep it very hot until it completely melts .
The oil may leave slag residue that will float on the molten brass. You should be able to skim it off.





Pre-washing in detergent/degreaser followed by acid, then water may help, unless oxidized metal forms and introduces another source of impurity.

No comments:

Post a Comment