Stripping Copper Plate from Steel

Q. We have copper-plated SA-675 carbon steel components that are welded to a larger steel assembly. We have now learned that the end user of these parts will not allow the use of copper-plated components. Is there a way of removing the copper plate from the assembled part? –C.J.

A. Copper plate can be removed from steel using chemical stripping solutions, but I don’t personally prefer to use them for two reasons: 1) There is a high risk of etching or otherwise damaging the base material if the process is not carefully controlled, and 2) there is a risk that you won’t remove all of the plated deposit.

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 The most common chemical stripping method uses the following chemical solution: 

*Operating temperature: 120^o to 130^oF

Another procedure that is sometimes used involves the following:

**Operating temperature: 75^o to 80^oF

Both methods use materials that require great care. Your best bet, in my opinion, is to scrap the parts and start over!