Simplified method for cleaning production tools used for metal forming
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsAnil K. Sachdev, Paul E. Krajewski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Chemical method of cleaning metallic residue from forming tools utilizing the application of a caustic material including base or mild acid to the tool for a short period of time. The caustic material is held in substantially fixed relation for a period of time to dislodge the metallic residue followed by neutralization or removal.
Claims17
A method of cleaning adhered non-ferrous metal build-up present after deformation of a work piece from a deformation tool, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a solution of caustic material directly to the surface of the deformation tool so as to contact the adhered non-ferrous metal build-up;
- (b) holding the solution of caustic material in place across the surface of the deformation tool for approximately 5 minutes to substantially dislodge the adhered non-ferrous metal build-up from the surface of the deformation tool, wherein the solution of caustic material is applied using a saturated cloth held in place across the deformation tool;
- (c) optionally applying ultrasonic vibration to the solution of caustic material during the holding step;
- and
- (d) neutralizing or removing the caustic material.
A method of cleaning adhered non-ferrous metal buildup present after deformation of a work piece from a steel stamping tool, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a solution of caustic material directly to the surface of the steel stamping tool so as to contact the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup;
- (b) holding the solution of caustic material in place across the surface of the steel stamping tool for approximately 5 minutes to substantially dislodge the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup from the surface of the steel stamping tool, wherein the solution of caustic material is applied using a saturated cloth held in place across the steel stamping tool;
- (c) applying ultrasonic vibration to the solution of caustic material during the holding step;
- and
- (d) neutralizing or removing the caustic material.
A method of cleaning adhered non-ferrous metal buildup present after deformation of a work piece from a steel stamping tool, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a solution of caustic material directly to the surface of the steel stamping tool so as to contact the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup;
- (b) holding the solution of caustic material in place in substantially static relation across the surface of the steel stamping tool for approximately 5 minutes to substantially dislodge the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup from the surface of the steel stamping tool, wherein the solution of caustic material is applied using a saturated cloth held in place across the steel stamping tool;
- and
- (c) neutralizing or removing the caustic material, wherein the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup comprises aluminum and wherein the holding step is performed at temperatures in the range of 50-100° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.