How do you keep parts from rusting in a tumbler

Chemtrol 578 was used to protect the top half of these parts from corrosion while in a humidity chamber test

It is no secret that rust causes rejections and failures of manufactured metal parts. The application and use of rust inhibitors is critical to reduce the cost of corrosion during the manufacturing process. A rust inhibitor is a chemical compound that decreases the corrosion rate of metal alloys.  A rust inhibitor forms a thin film or passivation layer on the surface of the metal that hinders the access of the environment to the metal surface.  This chemical layer retards either oxidation or reduction of the metal. The effectiveness of a rust inhibitor depends on many factors, including but not limited to concentration, environment, and time.

Iron chip testing is used to determine the viability of corrosion preventatives

In the manufacturing process, rust inhibitors can be classified as “in process rust inhibitors” or “long-term rust preventatives”.  In process rust inhibitors are designed to prevent corrosion during and between the manufacturing processes, while long-term preventatives provide a shelf life of 30 days to 1 year or longer depending on concentration, cleanliness and storage environment.

Precision Finishing manufactures Chemtrol aqueous “water-based” in process inhibitors and long-term preventives. The aqueous in process inhibitors are safe to use and environmentally acceptable. The inhibitors are formulated into soluble lubricants, coolants, cleaners, straight inhibitors and other processing compounds. 

Chemtrol rust inhibitors can be sourced in 5, 55, and 275 gallon containers to suit application or space options

A unique advantage of some types of in-process inhibitors is the ability to coat or paint over the inhibitor without affecting adhesion. This saves you the cleaning step, which in turn, saves time and money.  Many long-term preventatives contain oil or oil-like chemicals.  Ever rising oil prices and escalating environmental costs associated with disposing of oil make using a water-based preventative extremely attractive.  Water-based preventatives are now available for up to 1-year shelf life.

Reach out to our team and put chemtrol rust inhibitors to the test! We can run humidity chamber testing in house as well as facilitate other application testing. Our Sales engineers can be onsite with you to test in your own facility as well!

Chemtrol Industrial Compounds is a division of Precision Finishing Inc.