In metal surface treatment, degreasing is a critical pre-treatment step. Whether you’re preparing parts for plating, painting, or conversion coating, removing oils, greases, and contaminants is essential for a high-quality finish.
Neglecting proper degreasing can result in coating failures, poor adhesion, and increased rejection rates.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 practical and effective steps to optimize the degreasing process in your production line, based on industrial best practices and our experience at PT Jasco Chemicals Indonesia.
What is Degreasing in Metal Treatment?
Degreasing refers to the process of eliminating organic contaminants like lubricants, machining oils, and fingerprint residues from metal surfaces. This is typically done before surface finishing processes such as:
- Electroplating
- Conversion coating (Cr3+)
- Painting or powder coating
- Anodizing
Why Proper Degreasing Matters
Poor degreasing leads to:
- Inconsistent coating thickness
- Adhesion issues
- Premature corrosion
- Failed salt spray test results
- Wasted materials and rework
That’s why optimizing this stage is crucial for cost efficiency and surface quality.
Step-by-Step: 5 Ways to Optimize Metal Degreasing
1. Choose the Right Degreasing Agent
Different metals and contaminants require different solutions. For example:
- Alkaline degreasers work well for ferrous metals (steel, iron)
- Neutral or acidic degreasers are better for aluminum and non-ferrous alloys
- Solvent-based degreasers are useful for heavy greases and oils
💡 Tip: Always consult your chemical supplier to match the degreaser with your material and oil type.
2. Maintain Proper Temperature & Time
Degreasing chemicals work more effectively under controlled temperature and immersion time.
- Temperature range: 50°C–70°C
- Immersion time: 2–5 minutes, depending on contamination level
Too low = ineffective cleaning.
Too high = accelerated chemical degradation.
3. Use Agitation or Ultrasonic Action
Stagnant baths slow down the degreasing process. Add:
- Mild mechanical agitation to keep solution circulating
- Air bubbling system for tank movement
- Ultrasonic vibration for precision cleaning (especially for small/complex parts)
This helps loosen embedded grease and improve contact between the solution and the metal surface.
4. Rinse Thoroughly with Demineralized Water
After degreasing, immediate rinsing is crucial to:
- Prevent chemical carryover
- Avoid water marks or residue
- Ensure clean base for further processing
Use deionized (DI) or demineralized water to avoid mineral contamination.
5. Validate Cleanliness – Use a Water Break Test
How do you know the metal is truly clean?
✅ Perform a water break test:
Spray water over the part — if the water forms a smooth sheet without breaks or beads, it’s clean.
If it forms droplets or “breaks” — there’s still oil/contaminant present.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using one type of degreaser for all metals
- Skipping rinse steps
- Letting bath temperature fluctuate wildly
- Ignoring test methods
- Using hard tap water for rinsing
Proper training and chemical monitoring solve 90% of these issues.
Bonus: JASCO’s Degreasing Solutions
At PT Jasco Chemicals Indonesia, we offer a full line of industrial degreasing solutions developed under Japanese R&D standards, including:
- Alkaline cleaners for iron, steel
- Neutral degreasers for aluminum, stainless
- De-smutting agents
- Custom formulations based on your needs
We also provide technical support, training, and lab testing to validate results.
Final Thoughts
Degreasing may seem like a small step, but in surface treatment, it sets the foundation for everything that follows. A well-degreased surface means stronger bonding, better corrosion resistance, and reduced rework.
By applying the 5 steps above consistently, you’ll improve quality, reduce waste, and maintain compliance with industry standards.
Need Help Optimizing Your Degreasing Line?
Our experts are ready to assist with chemical selection, bath setup, and training.
👉 Contact JASCO Indonesia Now
