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  • Finishing Chemicals
    We are a leading producer of pickling products for stainless steels and special alloys.

Böhler Welding offers a wide range of finishing chemicals like pickling gels, pastes, sprays, liquids and cleaning agents. We help you restore stainless steel. Stainless steel retains its beautiful finish thanks to a protective layer that forms on the surface. Our products help customers around the word in their daily work of creating a superior stainless steel surface. Pickling of stainless steel is the technically superior method to obtain the best corrosion resistance. Our pickling pastes and sprays are highly effective and can be used in thinner coats than many other pickling products.

Procedures

Different chemical and mechanical methods, and sometimes a combination of both, can be used to remove defects. Chemical cleaning can be expected to produce superior results. This is because most mechanical methods tend to produce a rougher surface while chemical methods reduce the risk of surface contamination. However, chemical cleaning may be limited not only by local regulations on environmental and industrial safety but also by waste disposal problems.

  • Pickling is the most common chemical procedure used to remove oxides and iron contamination. Besides removing the surface layer by controlled corrosion, pickling also selectively removes the least corrosion-resistant areas such as the chromium-depleted zones.

    Fume reduction during pickling

    The toxic nitric fumes generated during pickling have a number of harmful effects on health and environment. By using modern pickling products such as our BlueOneTM pickling Paste 130 and RedOneTM Pickling Paste 140, the toxic fume levels can be reduced by up to 80%.

  • This procedure is carried out in a manner similar to pickling. The passivator, applied by immersion or spraying, strengthens the passive layer. Because the passivator also removes free iron impurities from the surface, the treatment is more important after mechanical cleaning and operations involving a risk of iron contamination. It is for this reason that the method can also be referred to as decontamination.

  • Electropolishing normally produces a surface that guarantees optimal corrosion resistance. It does not selectively remove areas of inferior corrosion resistance, but polishes micro tips from the surface. The material gains a fine luster and, most importantly, an even micro profile that meets extremely stringent hygiene requirements. For these reasons, electropolishing is normally used as a final treatment after pickling.

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Stainless Steels and their Pickability

*: Stainless steel grades - Group 1: Very easy to pickle (Group 1 is very easy to pickle but, at the same time, difficult to treat. There is a risk of overpickling. Great attention must be paid to pickling time and temperature.); Group 2: Easy to pickle; Group 3: Difficult to pickle; Group 4: Very difficult to pickle.

Overview

EN* ASTM* Welding method Group Welding consumable
1.4006 410.0 MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX KW 10
1.4016 430.0 MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX SKWA
1.4016 430.0 MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 2
1.4016 430.0 FCAW 1.0 BÖHLER EAS 2-FD
1.4313 410NiMo MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX CN 13/4
1.4006 410.0 MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX KW 10
1.4016 430.0 MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX SKWA
1.4016 430.0 MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 2
1.4016 430.0 FCAW 1.0 BÖHLER EAS 2-FD
1.4313 410NiMo MMA 1.0 BÖHLER FOX CN 13/4
1.4313 410NiMo MCAW 1.0 BÖHLER CN 13/4-MC
1.4301 304 MMA 2.0 Avesta 308L/MVR
1.4301 304 MMA 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 2
1.4301 304 MIG 2.0 Avesta 308L-Si/MVR-Si
1.4301 304 MIG 2.0 BÖHLER EAS 2-IG (Si)
1.4401 316 MMA 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR
1.4401 316 MMA 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 4 M-A
1.4401 316 MIG 2.0 Avesta 316L-Si/SKR-Si
1.4401 316 MIG 2.0 BÖHLER EAS 4 M-IG (Si)
1.4404 316L MMA V-joint 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR
1.4404 316L MMA 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR
1.4404 316L MMA 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 4M
1.4404 316L MMA 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR
1.4404 316L MMA 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 4M-A
1.4404 316L FCAW 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR
1.4404 316L FCAW 2.0 BÖHLER EAS 4M-FD
1.4404 316L MIG 2.0 Avesta 316L-Si/SKR-Si
1.4404 316L MIG 2.0 BÖHLER EAS 4M-IG
1.4404 316L MCAW 2.0 BÖHLER EAS 4M-MC
1.4539 904L MMA 3.0 Avesta 904L
1.4539 904L MIG 3.0 Avesta 904L
1.4539 904L MMA 3.0 Thermanit 625
1.4539 904L MMA 3.0 Avesta P12-R
1.4501 S32760 MMA 3.0 Avesta 2507/P100
1.4161 S32101 MIG 3.0 Avesta LDX 2101
1.4161 S32101 FCAW 3.0 Avesta LDX 2101
1.4362 S32304 MIG 3.0 Avesta 2304
1.4362 S32304 FCAW 3.0 Avesta 2304
1.4462 S32205 MMA 3.0 BÖHLER FOX CN 22/9N
1.4462 S32205 MMA 3.0 Avesta 2205
1.4462 S32205 MIG 3.0 BÖHLER CN 22/9 N-IG
1.4462 S32205 MIG 3.0 Avesta 2205
2.4605 N06059 MMA 3.0 Thermanit Nimo C 24
2.4360 N04400 MMA 3.0 BÖHLER FOX NIBAS 400
1.4547 S31254 MMA 4.0 Thermanit 625
1.4547 S31254 MMA 4.0 Avesta P12-R
1.4547 S31254 MIG 4.0 Thermanit 625
1.4547 S31254 MIG 4.0 Avesta P12
1.4565 S34565 MMA 4.0 Thermanit Nimo C 24 A
1.4565 S34565 MMA 4.0 Avesta P16
1.4565 S34565 MIG 4.0 Thermanit Nimo C 24 A
1.4565 S34565 MIG 4.0 Avesta P16
1.4410 S32750 MMA 4.0 Avesta 2507/P100

Typical Pickling Times

Typical Pickling Times for Brush and Spray Pickling

EN* ASTM* Group Product Minutes
1.4301 304 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4301 304 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4301 304 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4301 304 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4401 316 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4301 304 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4301 304 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4301 304 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4301 304 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4401 316 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4401 316 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4401 316 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4401 316 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4404 316L 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4404 316L 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4404 316L 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4404 316L 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4404 316L 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4404 316L 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4404 316L 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4404 316L 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4404 316L 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4404 316L 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4404 316L 2.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 30 - 60
1.4404 316L 2.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 45 - 90
1.4539 904L 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4539 904L 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4539 904L 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4539 904L 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4539 904L 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4539 904L 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4501 S32760 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4501 S32760 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4161 S32101 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4161 S32101 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4161 S32101 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4161 S32101 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4362 S32304 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4362 S32304 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4362 S32304 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4362 S32304 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4462 S32205 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4462 S32205 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4462 S32205 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
1.4462 S32205 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
2.4605 N06059 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
2.4605 N06059 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
2.4360 N04400 3.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 90 -180
2.4360 N04400 3.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 120 -240
1.4547 S31254 4.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 120 - 240
1.4547 S31254 4.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 150 - 300
1.4547 S31254 4.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 120 - 240
1.4547 S31254 4.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 150 - 300
1.4565 S34565 4.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 120 - 240
1.4565 S34565 4.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 150 - 300
1.4565 S34565 4.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 120 - 240
1.4565 S34565 4.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 150 - 300
1.4410 S32750 4.0 BlueOne® Pickling Paste 130 120 - 240
1.4410 S32750 4.0 RedOne® Pickling Spray 240 150 - 300

*: Stainless steel grades; Group 2: Easy to pickle; Group 3: Difficult to pickle; Group 4: Very difficult to pickle

Typical Pickling Times using Avesta Pickling Bath 302

EN* ASTM* Group Welding Consumable 20°C 30°C 45°C
1.4301 304 2.0 Avesta 308L/MVR 30 min 15 min 10 min
1.4301 304 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 2 30 min 15 min 10 min
1.4401 316 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4401 316 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 4M 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4404 316L 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4301 304 2.0 Avesta 308L/MVR 30 min 15 min 10 min
1.4301 304 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 2 30 min 15 min 10 min
1.4401 316 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4401 316 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 4M 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4404 316L 2.0 Avesta 316L/SKR 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4404 316L 2.0 BÖHLER FOX EAS 4M 40 min 20 min 10 min
1.4539 904L 3.0 Avesta 904L 120 min 90 min 60 min
1.4362 S32304 3.0 Avesta 2304 120 min 90 min 60 min
1.4462 S32205 3.0 Avesta 2205 120 min 90 min 60 min
1.4462 S32205 3.0 BÖHLER FOX CN 22/9N 120 min 90 min 60 min
1.4547 S31254 4.0 Avesta P12-R 240 min 120 min 90 min
1.4547 S31254 4.0 BÖHLER FOX NIBAS 625 240 min 120 min 90 min
1.4410 S32750 4.0 Avesta 2507/P100 240 min 120 min 90 min
1.4410 S32750 4.0 BÖHLER FOX CN 25/9CuT 240 min 120 min 90 min

*: Stainless steel grades - Group 2: Easy to pickle - 1 part 302 into 3 parts water; Group 3: Difficult to pickle - 1 part 302 into 2 parts water; Group 4: Very difficult to pickle - 1 part 302 into 1 part water

Safety

Health hazards can be avoided by the use of breathing equipment and skin protection. To ensure a high degree of personal safety a face mask equipped with breathing apparatus must always be worn in connection with pickling. Further to avoid injuries caused by pickling acids, it is necessary to protect all exposed skin with acid-resistant clothing.

All our cleaning chemicals are supplied with:

  • Product information with reference numbers
  • Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) as per ISO 11014-1 and 2001/58/EC
More information

Safety Data Sheets

FAQs

    • Inspect the surface to be treated and ensure that all non-stainless material has been protected.
    • Using an acid-resistant pump (Avesta SP-25), spray the product onto the surface. Apply an even layer that covers the entire surface. Do not apply in direct sunlight
    • Allow the product sufficient reaction time, but avoid letting it dry. If the contaminants are stubborn (difficult to remove) and in thick layers, mechanical brushing with a hard plastic or nylon brush will help
    • Preferably using a high pressure water jet, rinse thoroughly with clean tap water. To reduce acid splashing, prewashing at tap-water pressure (3 bars) is recommended. Ensure that no residues are left on the surface. Use deionised water for the final rinsing of sensitive surfaces.
    • For more information - Click here 
    • Inspect the surface to be treated and ensure that all non-stainless material has been protected.
    • Using an acid-resistant pump (Avesta SP-25), spray the product onto the surface. Apply an even layer that covers the entire surface. Do not apply in direct sunlight
    • Allow the product sufficient reaction time, but avoid letting it dry. If the contaminants are stubborn (difficult to remove) and in thick layers, mechanical brushing with a hard plastic or nylon brush will help
    • Preferably using a high pressure water jet, rinse thoroughly with clean tap water. To reduce acid splashing, prewashing at tap-water pressure (3 bars) is recommended. Ensure that no residues are left on the surface. Use deionised water for the final rinsing of sensitive surfaces.

    Discover our product portfolio for perfect pickling results - Click here

    • Inspect the surface to be treated and ensure that all non-stainless material has been protected.
    • Pretreat oxides, slags and weld defects mechanically. This should preferably be done while the welds are still warm and the weld oxides less hard.
    • After any welding, give the area to be pickled time to cool down to below 40°C.
    • To remove organic contamination, degrease using Avesta Cleaner 401.
    • Before using, stir the spray gel well.
    • Using an acid-resistant pump (Avesta SP-25), apply the product as a spray. Gently apply an even layer of acid that covers the entire surface. Do not pickle in direct sunlight!
    • Allow the product sufficient pickling time.
    • Desmutting is necessary if dark areas appear on the surface. Apply either more solution or Avesta FinishOne™ to these spots until they disappear. This must be done when the surface is still wet (i.e. “wet on wet”), just before the pickling spray is rinsed off. Spraying Finish One™ on top of the pickled surface also reduces the production of NOx gases.
    • When pickling, the pickling spray must not be allowed to dry. Drying may cause discoloration of the steel surface. This means that at high temperatures, and when prolonged pickling times are required, it may be necessary to apply more of the product after a while.
    • Preferably using a high-pressure water jet, rinse thoroughly with clean tap water. To reduce acid splashing, prewashing at tap-water pressure (3 bars) is recommended. Ensure that no pickling residues are left on the surface. Use deionised water for the final rinsing of sensitive surfaces.

    Discover our product portfolio for perfect pickling results - Click here

    • Pretreat oxides, slag and weld defects mechanically.
    • After any welding, give the area to be pickled time to cool down to below 40°C.
    • To remove organic contamination, degrease using Avesta Cleaner 401.
    • Check the bath temperature.
    • Immerse the object in the bath. Typical pickling times are shown in table 2. Avoid overpickling. This can produce a rough surface.
    • Allow the product sufficient pickling time.
    • If dark spots appear on the surface, desmutting is necessary. Apply either more solution or Avesta FinishOne™ to these spots until they disappear. This must be done when the surface is still wet (i.e. “wet on wet”), just before the pickling spray is rinsed off. Spraying FinishOne™ on top of the pickled surface also reduces the production of NOx gases.
    • When lifting the object, allow time for the bath solution to flow off above the bath
    • Rinse thoroughly using a high-pressure water jet. Ensure that no pickling residues are left on the surface. Use deionised water for the final rinsing of sensitive surface.
    • Collect the waste water so that it can be neutralised. Find here more information about neutralisation and waste treatment.
    • As the pickling acid in the bath is being constantly consumed and metals precipitated, analysis of bath contents is important. Bath contents affect the pickling reaction.

    Discover our product portfolio for perfect pickling results - Click here

    • To passivate after mechanical treatment, first use Avesta Cleaner 401 to preclean the surface. Next, rinse with water and apply the passivator “wet on wet”. Leave it to react for 3 – 5 minutes.
    • To desmut or avoid smut formation during spray pickling, the passivator must be applied before rinsing while the surface is still wet (“wet on wet”). Leave it to react for 10 – 15 minutes.
    • To use for fume reduction after bath pickling, lift the object over the surface of the bath and spray FinishOne Passivator as a mist on the object’s surface (“wet on wet”).
    • To passivate after spray pickling, first rinse off the pickling spray and then apply the passivator. Leave it to react for 20 – 30 minutes. n Using an acid-resistant pump (Avesta SP-25), apply the product as a spray. Apply an even layer of acid that covers the entire surface.
    • Using an acid resistant pump (Avesta SP-25); apply the passivator as an even layer that covers the entire surface.
    • Preferably using a high-pressure water jet, rinse thoroughly with clean tap water. Ensure that no acid residues are left on the surface. Use deionised water for the final rinsing of sensitive surfaces.
    • There is no need to neutralise the waste water (it is neutral and acid free).
    • Stirring all the time, add the neutralising agent to the rinse water (e.g. our Neutraliser 502).
    • The neutralising reaction takes place instantly.
    • Using litmus paper (for example), check the pH of the mixture. Precipitation of the heavy metals is optimal at pH 9.5.
    • When the waste water has reached an acceptable pH value, wait for the sludge to sink to the bottom and for the water to become clear. Adding a special settling agent improves the precipitation of heavy metals.
    • If analysis shows that the treated water satisfies local regulations, it can be released into the sewage system. To increase the degree of treatment, an extra filter can be inserted before the water reaches the sewage system.
    • The sludge contains heavy metals and must be sent to a waste-treatment plant.

    More information about neutralisation - Click here

    • Pickling chemicals must only be handled by persons with a sound knowledge of the health hazards associated with such chemicals. This means that the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the product label must be thoroughly studied before the chemicals are used.
    • Eating, smoking and drinking must be forbidden in the pickling area.
    • Employees handling pickling chemicals must wash their hands and faces before eating and after finishing work.
    • All parts of the skin that are exposed to splashing must be protected by an acid-resistant material, according to MSDS. This means that employees handling pickling chemicals (including during rinsing) must wear protective clothing as stipulated in the MSDS for the product in question.
    • A First Aid kit containing calcium glucontate gel, Hexaflourine® (Avesta First Aid Spray ) or other products suitable for an immediate treatment/rinsing of acid splashes caused by pickling products, should be easy available. For more information check the MSDS for the Avesta Pickling Products.
    • The pickling area must be ventilated.
    • To avoid unnecessary evaporation, the containers/ jars must be kept closed.
    • To minimise the environmental impact, all pickling residues must be neutralised and all heavy metals separated from the process water and sent to a waste treatment plant.