ZERUST® AxxaWash™ KF-123

For optimum performance and best practice, it is always recommended to use deionized (DI) or reverse osmosis (RO) water. This will also ensure that the bath life is improved when used. However, suppose DI or RO water is unavailable, AxxaWash™ KF-123 is hard water-compatible. We found no significant protection difference between the bath made with tap water (200 – 250 ppm hardness) and DI water.

Tanks made out of stainless, plastic, or polypropylene tank is approved to use with AxxaWash™ KF-121. Please note that care should be taken when utilizing plastic or polypropylene tanks by ensuring the heating element is submerged according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and appropriate distance from the walls and floor of the tank is maintained. In addition, make sure bath operating temperatures are within the plastic or polypropylene temperature limitations, as the tanks can soften and bow under excessive heat conditions. DO NOT USE an aluminum tank.

Yes, you may use concentrations higher than 10%. However, concentrations higher than 10% can be more challenging to rinse from the surface and may leave unwanted residues.

ZERUST® offers a complete line of VCI packaging products (e.g., ZERUST® ICT®510-C, ICT®520-HS, ICT®420-35, etc.) that are compatible or work synergistically with AxxaWash™ KF-123. Compatibility tests have not been completed with any non-ZERUST® VCI packaging products, so it’s recommended that compatibility tests be performed before combining AxxaWash™ KF-123 with any non-ZERUST® VCI packaging.

No, AxxaWash™ KF-123 is not conducive to paint adhesion. Therefore, parts washed with AxxaWash™ KF-123 and properly rinsed should be pretreated with an appropriate pretreatment, such as zirconium or phosphate treatments, before paint application.

Yes. However, the surface temperature should be lower than 130°F (54°C).

AxxaWash™ KF-123 has been applied to parts that have undergone heat treatment processes with no visual impact on the parts. However, it is best practice to test before use.

AxxaWash™ KF-123 bath solution remains stable with temperatures up to 150°F (66°C). Any temperatures above 150°F (66°C) will result in AxxaWash™ KF-123 chemistry breaking down and no longer offering sufficient cleaning. However, if the bath temperature is brought back down to 150°F (66°C) or lower, the cleaning effectiveness of the bath solution will become stable.

No, AxxaWash™ KF-123 does not stain ferrous metal surfaces. However, AxxaWash™ KF-123 will stain many non-ferrous metal substrates such as aluminum, bronze, brass, etc.

Yes, AxxaWash™ KF-123 is compatible with solvent and oil-based rust preventatives (e.g., Axxanol™ A35CD-32, 33CD, Spray-G, etc.). In some cases, AxxaWash™ KF-123 may improve the performance of the rust preventative alone. However, it is always recommended that a compatibility test is performed before combining AxxaWash™ KF-123 with any non-ZERUST® rust preventative oil.

AxxaWash™ KF-123 films are easily removed by rinsing with purified water, such as reverse osmosis or deionized water. Using warm water during the rinsing process will remove the AxxaWash™ KF-123 film faster.

To properly dry the coated parts, we recommend using a mechanical fan, air knife, and/or industrial heating oven (no higher than 300°F (149°C)) after the parts are cleaned. Alternatively, a dedicated water-based rust inhibitor (e.g., Axxatec™ 80C or 30C) can be used immediately after AxxaWash™ KF-123 application to enhance corrosion protection.

No, although AxxaWash™ KF-123 contains flash-rust inhibitors, it is water-soluble, and corrosion protection drops rapidly in humid environments. Ensure parts are completely dry before packaging. AxxaWash™ KF-123 has been tested to be compatible with ZERUST® VCI packaging (e.g., ZERUST® ICT®510-C, ICT®520-HS, etc.) and plain plastic packaging. Test before using any other types of non-ZERUST® VCI packaging (See ZERUST® packaging guidelines).

Spray application offers better impingement on the part surfaces, and cleaning times are generally shorter than immersion. However, immersion application for AxxaWash™ KF-123 is recommended when large quantities of small parts are processed or when parts have holes, slots, internal surfaces, etc., that spray applications cannot reach.

AxxaWash™ KF-123 only provides flash-rust protection. Therefore, a dedicated water-based rust inhibitor, solvent/oil-based rust preventative, or ZERUST® VCI packaging (e.g., ZERUST® ICT®510-C, ICT®520-HS, etc.) is recommended for protection lasting longer than a few hours.

Yes, a circulating pump is required, and the flow rate is tank size-dependent. Typical tank turnover should be 0.25 – 1.0 times per minute (for example: a 100 gallon tank should have a pump system that has a minimum flow rate of 25 – 100 gallons/minute).

A progressive filtration system is recommended to prevent clogging of nozzles or redeposition of particulate matter. A three-stage 100, 50, 25 micron filter system is recommended.

Email sds@ntic.com to request the Safety Data Sheet for AxxaWash™ KF-123 and/or all other ZERUST® products.