What Is Steel Pickling?

Steel Pickling

Steel pickling is a metal surface treatment process in flat rolled steel manufacturing used to remove impurities, such as rust, scale, and oxides that exist on the plane of the steel. This is typically done by immersing the steel in a bath of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid which dissolves the unwanted material. Not only does pickling clean the steel but also prepares it for further processing that could occur, such as coating, galvanizing, or painting because it provides a clean, smooth surface to enhance adhesion.

After pickling the steel, the material is rinsed and neutralized to remove any remaining acid and then it can undergo additional processes like annealing or cold rolling. This step is essential to improving the quality and appearance of steel products while ensuring they meet specified requirements for various applications.