Ultrasonic cleaning.

TM 38-260

(d).Ultrasonic cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaning is well suited to the cleaning of precision parts and/or assemblies.

Ultrasonic cleaning will effectively remove light rust, oily contaminants, and other loosely adhering contaminants, from

blind holes, crevices, indentations, and recesses. Ultrasonic cleaning may be used to clean assembled components,

thereby eliminating disassembly.

(e) Buffing. Buffing may be used to remove light surface rust, stains, and discoloration firm critical surfaces and

close tolerance areas. Crocus cloth or other mild abrasive should be used to ensure the base metal is not removed and

the surface finish is not marred or scratched.

(f) Chemical process. The chemical processes are acid, alkaline, and detergent cleaning. Prior to the

application of the rust remover, all greases, oils, old preservatives, and loose scale must be removed. Phosphoric acid

may be applied directly to the rusted areas. Do not allow acid to run into cracks, crevices, oil holes, or gear boxes since

it will corrode metal when trapped for prolonged periods of time. Allow the acid to remain long enough to loosen rust.

Rinse surface areas covered with acid with hot water to remove all traces of acid. Allow to dry thoroughly prior to

application of a preservative.

WARNING

WHEN USING PHOSPHORIC ACID, PROTECT HANDS, FACE, AND EYES. WEAR RUBBER

GLOVES, APRON, AND GOGGLES. IF SPLASHED ON SKIN, FLUSH WITH WATER, FOLLOWED

BY A WATER RINSE CONTAINING 1 PERCENT BICARBONATE OF SODA AND THEN OBTAIN

PROPER MEDICAL ADVICE. AVOID PROLONGED BREATHING OF VAPORS AS THEY MAY BE

HARMFUL

(g) Other chemical processes. Another chemical process is the use of commercial neutralizing agents. This

involves the removal of acid or alkaline solutions with a neutralizing agent e.g., an alkaline rinse to remove acid residues.

e. Process C-3, solvent cleaning. Cleaning process C-3, is used to remove oils, light grease, grinding grit, metal

chips, and dirt by its washing and dissolving action. The solvents, degreasers, and paint thinners used in this process

shall be Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved and free of all ozone depleting chemicals (ODC). This

cleaning process is most adaptable to, and most commonly used in cleaning IPE classified as metalworking machinery.

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