ZERUST® AxxaWash™ NW-12C

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™ NW-12C 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 are approved for use with AxxaWash™ NW-12C. 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™ NW-12C. However, 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™ NW-12C with any non-ZERUST® VCI packaging.

Yes, Axxawash™ NW-12C has shown the ability to be painted over in certain instances. Therefore, testing should be done on any surface to ensure compatibility.

Yes. However, the surface temperature should be lower than 140°F (60°C).

AxxaWash™ NW-12C bath solution remains stable with temperatures up to 140°F (60°C). Any temperatures above 140°F (60°C) will result in AxxaWash™ NW-12C chemistry breaking down and offering reduced cleaning ability However, if the bath temperature is brought back down to 140°F (60°C) or lower, the cleaning effectiveness of the bath solution will become stable.

No, AxxaWash™ NW-12C does not stain ferrous metal surfaces. However, AxxaWash™ NW-12C will stain many non-ferrous metal substrates such as aluminum, bronze, brass, etc.

Yes, after thoroughly drying the coated parts with the use of a mechanical fan, air knife, and/or industrial heating oven (no higher than 350°F (176°C) for 5 – 10 minutes). A suitable ZERUST® Axxanol™ oil or solvent-based rust preventative (e.g., Axxanol™ A35CD-32, 33CD, Spray-G, etc.) can be applied to the metal surface. In some cases, AxxaWash™ NW-12C may improve the performance of the rust preventative alone. However, it is always recommended that a compatibility test is performed before combining AxxaWash™ NW-12C with any non-ZERUST® rust preventative oil.

AxxaWash™ NW-12C 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™ NW-12C film faster.

To properly dry the coated parts, we recommend using a mechanical fan, air knife, and/or industrial heating oven (no higher than 350°F (176°C) for 5 – 10 minutes) after the parts are cleaned. Alternatively, a dedicated water-based rust inhibitor (e.g., Axxatec™ 80C or 30C) can be used immediately after AxxaWash™ NW-12C application to enhance rust protection.

No, although AxxaWash™ NW-12C contains flash-rust inhibitors, it is water-soluble, and rust protection drops rapidly in humid environments. Ensure parts are completely dry before packaging. AxxaWash™ NW-12C 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, AxxaWash™ NW-12C will foam in spray applications. For spray wand applications, such as a handheld pressure washer, the foam produced helps to visualize where AxxaWash™ NW-12C has come into contact with the surface. For automated systems, a defoamer will be required for use (see next question for defoamer selection and use). Lastly, immersion application for AxxaWash™ NW-12C is recommended when large quantities of small parts are processed or when parts have holes, slots, internal surfaces, etc., that spray applications cannot reach.

Many defoamers can be used. However, MUNZING FOAM BAN® MS-525* and FOAM BAN® MS-293* are heavy-duty defoamers that show excellent ability to decrease foam levels. Other defoamers can be used, but caution should be used. Silicone defoamers should NEVER be used in or around parts that could potentially be painted. Ideal defoamers should be natural or mineral oils, siloxanes, or water-based defoamers. To determine how much defoamer to use, add 25 – 50 mLs of defoamer to the tank for slow but increasing foam. For aggressive foaming conditions, add 100 – 200 mLs to the tank. Defoamers should work to break the foam within 1 – 2 minutes. If foam does not break or decrease, make another addition. If the defoamer does not break the foam after 2 or 3 additions, the defoamer is too weak or diluted to adequately defoam the solution. A different defoamer with a higher active content should be used.

*MUNZING FOAM BAN® MS-525 and FOAM BAN® MS-293 are not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, or sponsored by NTIC.

AxxaWash™ NW-12C 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™ NW-12C and/or all other ZERUST® products.