The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Hide > NFA Guns and Gear

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old March 28, 2021, 10:55 AM   #1
Leviatano
Junior Member
 
Join Date: March 7, 2021
Posts: 13
Anyone using an ultrasonic cleaner for aluminum?

Specifically, suppressor baffles. If so, tell me more.
Leviatano is offline  
Old March 28, 2021, 02:25 PM   #2
ss1/G8RFAN
Member
 
Join Date: March 19, 2021
Location: South FL
Posts: 26
I've used L&R Safety Ultrasonic Weapon Cleaning Solution for years and I've had no discernable surface marring or discoloration with anodized parts, however, bare aluminum is not recommended honestly. However, cups/baffles in a 22 can will obviously will get cruddy quickly with use, so I'm not sure if there is an aesthetically reason not to. I think my 22 TS suppressor warned me not to use ultrasonic cleaners, but I might be wrong.
ss1/G8RFAN is offline  
Old March 29, 2021, 04:00 AM   #3
Leviatano
Junior Member
 
Join Date: March 7, 2021
Posts: 13
Thanks!
Leviatano is offline  
Old March 29, 2021, 08:04 AM   #4
eflyguy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 1, 2021
Posts: 335
Not sure why bare aluminum would not be recommended.

I have not used it for firearm parts but have been cleaning carburetors (mostly bare aluminum with steel and brass components) in very harsh chemicals for many years. They come out generally looking like brand new.
eflyguy is offline  
Old March 30, 2021, 10:47 AM   #5
ss1/G8RFAN
Member
 
Join Date: March 19, 2021
Location: South FL
Posts: 26
It’s my understanding since I’m not an engineer in fluid dynamics that ultrasonic cleaners causes cavitation along the surface thus scrubbing the object clean. This cavitation can cause microscopic pitting in softer metals such as aluminum. I worked as a gunsmith for about ten years and that was what was told to me but it could be wives tales for all I know. Been just a hobbyist for the past 10 and as I said, I haven’t seen any discoloration on anodized parts but I also don’t cook aluminum parts in my tank any longer than it needs to to get it clean.
ss1/G8RFAN is offline  
Old March 30, 2021, 02:58 PM   #6
Scorch
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 13, 2006
Location: Washington state
Posts: 15,248
I think the aluminum warning has more to do with anodized and dyed aluminum. A lot of anodized firearms used to be aniline dyed to turn them blabk. Anodized aluminum will get lighter in color if you leave it is an ultrasonic too long. It can really upset a customer. Don't ask how I know.
__________________
Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs.
But what do I know?
Summit Arms Services
Scorch is offline  
Old March 30, 2021, 06:47 PM   #7
sparkyv
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2, 2015
Location: Deepinnaheartta,Texas
Posts: 318
Not a wives tale.

Sonication of aluminum foil: https://fiberglassflyrodders.com/for...=70777#p386882

Quote:
Originally Posted by ss1/G8RFAN View Post
It’s my understanding since I’m not an engineer in fluid dynamics that ultrasonic cleaners causes cavitation along the surface thus scrubbing the object clean. This cavitation can cause microscopic pitting in softer metals such as aluminum. I worked as a gunsmith for about ten years and that was what was told to me but it could be wives tales for all I know.
__________________
μολὼν λαβέ
NRA Life Member
sparkyv is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:04 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.06809 seconds with 10 queries