ZERUST® AxxaWash™ KF-121

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, if DI or RO water is unavailable, AxxaWash™ KF-121 is hard water-compatible. We found no significant difference in cleaning between the bath made with tap water (200 – 250 ppm hardness) and DI water.

Tanks made of stainless steel, plastic, or polypropylene are approved for use with AxxaWash™ KF-121. Please note that care should be taken when utilizing plastic or polypropylene tanks, ensuring the heating element is submerged according to the manufacturer’s specifications and maintained at an appropriate distance from the tank’s walls and floor. 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-121. 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-121 with any non-ZERUST® VCI packaging.

No, AxxaWash™ KF-121 is not conducive to paint adhesion. Therefore, parts washed with AxxaWash™ KF-121 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 135°F (57° C).

AxxaWash™ KF-121 bath solution remains stable with temperatures up to 135°F (57°C). Any temperatures above 135°F (57°C) will result in AxxaWash™ KF-121 chemistry breaking down and no longer offering sufficient cleaning. However, if the bath temperature is brought back down to 135°F (57°C) or lower, the cleaning effectiveness of the bath solution will become stable.

Yes, AxxaWash™ KF-121 will leave white stains and residue on steel surfaces if not properly rinsed off. Additionally, aluminum and yellow metals should not be cleaned with AxxaWash™ KF-121 as staining and surface attack will occur.

Yes, AxxaWash™ KF-121 has been tested compatible with ZERUST® solvent, oil-based rust preventatives (e.g., Axxanol™ A35CD-32, 33CD, Spray-G, etc.), and water-based rust inhibitors (e.g., Axxatec™ 80C or 30C). Please note that AxxaWash™ KF-121 must be rinsed from the surface before any rust preventative or inhibitor is applied. In addition, it is always recommended that a compatibility test is performed before combining AxxaWash™ KF-121 with any non-ZERUST® rust preventative oil, solvent, or water-based inhibitor.

AxxaWash™ KF-121 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-121 faster.

Parts can be dried with an air knife or forced air oven to dry off all rinse water and moisture. If parts are not fully dry, rust may form. Alternatively, a dedicated water-based rust inhibitor (e.g., Axxatec™ 80C or 30C) can be used immediately after rinsing AxxaWash™ KF-121 to enhance corrosion protection.

No, AxxaWash™ KF-121 is a cleaner product only and is not designed to offer rust inhibition. For optimum protection and best practice, it’s highly recommended to completely dry the parts after cleaning and rinsing before placing the parts inside any ZERUST® VCI packaging (e.g., ZERUST® ICT®510-C, ICT®520-HS), plain plastic packaging, or container. Test before using any other types of non-ZERUST® VCI packaging (See ZERUST® packaging guidelines).

Spraying offers better impingement on the part surfaces, and cleaning times are generally shorter than immersion. However, immersion application for AxxaWash™ KF-121 is recommended when large quantities of small parts are processed or when parts have holes, slots, internal surfaces, etc., that spray applications cannot reach.

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 per 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.

AxxaWash™ KF-121 does not offer rust protection. Therefore, for corrosion protection, 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.

Email sds@ntic.com to request the Safety Data Sheet for AxxaWash™ KF-121 and/or all other ZERUST® products.