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Home / Chemicals / Carbon & Paint Removal / MetalTek 100
Alkaline

MetalTek 100

Immersion & UltrasonicIMMERSION& ULTRASONICImmersion & Ultrasonic

Five soils. One ferrous bath.

Grease, rust, scale, carbon and paint — removed simultaneously from steel and cast iron.

Grease + rust + scale + carbon + paint in one passBuilt for mining, ag and structural restorationOne bath replaces three-stage processing
From $195.00 ex GST
metaltek 100 container
Why It Wins

Five soils. One ferrous bath.

Mining and agricultural components never arrive with one problem. A loader pin carries grease over rust over old paint; a screen frame carries scale and thirty years of coatings. Sequential processing — degrease, then derust, then strip — triples handling and tank count.

MetalTek 100 collapses the sequence: one alkaline bath that attacks all five soil families simultaneously on ferrous metal. Load the basket dirty, run it warm at 10–30% (typically 20%), unload restoration-grade steel. It is the highest-throughput route from neglected component to inspectable surface that exists.

The trade is familiar and worth restating: ferrous only, never plated finishes. Where the incoming work is mixed-metal, sort first — MetalTek repays the discipline with one-pass restoration on everything steel.

Applications

Where it earns its keep

One-bath restoration of ferrous plant — mining, agricultural and structural components.

MiningConstructionAutomotive
Material caution: Caustic (pH 14) — ferrous metals only. Attacks aluminium, zinc, tin, brass and bronze rapidly and etches glass and ceramics. Never above 80 °C.
Temperature & Dose
TYPICAL 70–75 °C60–80 °C20 °C100 °C

Dose: 10–30% v/v (typ. 25%). The trial sets your exact process values; the TDS governs.

Run It Right

The working process

1 · MAKE UPMake upConcentrate at 10–30% v/v (typ. 25%) in water; mix.2 · HEATHeat60–80 °C, typically 70–75 °C; 80 °C maximum.3 · CLEANCleanSoil-load dependent — establish by trial; check bath strength weekly by titration.4 · RINSERinseRinse thoroughly with water before drying.
Why Flash Rust Happens

A freshly cleaned ferrous part is chemically active — protective films gone, surface warm and wet, rinse ions acting as electrolyte. Rust bloom can start within the hour. DI water rinsing slows it; protection stops it.

Protect It

Inhibitor in the final rinse before hot-air drying, an Anti-Rust dip between processes, or a water-displacing film for storage — matched to the next process. Tell us what happens next and the protection specifies itself.

The Ladder

Right product, right job

This Page

MetalTek 100 — first rung

Five soils, one ferrous bath.

Also Consider

Desludge

The pre-wash that takes the bulk off first

View →
Also Consider

AlloySystem

The alloy-safe route when the parts are not ferrous

View →
Buy MetalTek 100ex GST
10 L$195.00
20 L$355.00
200 L$3,600.00
1,000 L$12,114.00

Delivered within Australia. Outside Australia, request a delivered price.

Complete The Job
Anti-RustStops flash rust on cleaned steelView & buy →RegeniKThe ash stage after carbonView & buy →
Compatibility
Mild & carbon steelSafe in prescribed use
Stainless steelFerrous duty
Cast ironSafe in prescribed use
Aluminium & titaniumDo not use — aluminium is attacked rapidly
Magnesium & soft alloysDo not use
Zinc & galvanisedDo not use — attacks zinc and tin rapidly
Copper & brassNot for brass or bronze
Plated finishes (Cd·Cr·Ni)Do not use
Plastics & rubbersHDPE · PP · nitrile · EPDM · Viton safe; acrylic and polycarbonate craze; glass and ceramics are etched
Painted / coated surfacesStrips paint — that is the job
Per prescribed use — the cleaning trial confirms on your parts; the TDS governs. Full range matrix →
Transport
UN NumberUN 1824
DG ClassClass 8 · Packing Group II
Hazchem2R
Freight note: Dangerous goods attract a carrier DG surcharge, quoted at checkout. Depot pickup avoids it.
Bath Life

This is not a single-use chemical

A common misconception treats industrial chemistry like dishwater — used once, tipped out. A defended bath of MetalTek 100 works for weeks of production: weir oil separation and filtration defend the bath, solids leave through the filter, and the chemistry keeps working until genuine depletion.

Change out on evidence, not anxiety: when cycle times stretch or results fade at correct concentration, the bath has earned its retirement. Top-ups at specification carry it between changes.

Keep It In Spec
  • Skim or weir oils continuously — oil load is bath killer #1
  • Filter solids; drain settled sludge from the sump
  • Verify concentration on schedule per the TDS check method
  • Log it — the trend predicts top-ups before cleaning fades
Storage

Drum and bath, both looked after

The Concentrate
  • Handling: Avoid eye contact and skin contact.
  • Avoid inhalation of vapour, mist or aerosols.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place and out of direct sunlight.
  • Store away from foodstuffs.
  • Store away from incompatible materials described in Section 10.
  • Store away from sources of heat and/or ignition.
  • Store in corrosive resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
  • Keep container standing upright.
  • Keep containers closed when not in use - check regularly for leaks.
  • This material is classified as a Class 8 Corrosive as per the criteria of the "Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail" and/or the "New Zealand NZS5433:
Compliant with the product SDS.
The Working Bath

Lid the tank between shifts — holds temperature, limits evaporation, keeps dust out.

Idle periods: a warm, stagnant aqueous bath can support biological growth over extended stagnation. Circulate periodically, keep concentration at specification, never leave an open tank standing for weeks.

Extended shutdown: drain to sealed, labelled containers — or schedule changeover for restart day.

On the drum

The icons on the label, and what they mean

ConcentrateSupplied concentrated. Dilute before use.

These are the manufacturer’s own label marks, not third-party certifications. Where a named approval exists it is listed in full on this page. The compatibility table above is what governs.

Documents & Safety

The paperwork, on the page

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MetalTek 100 — Australian GHS SDS for your chemical register and risk assessments. PDF, 597 KB. Issued 23/08/2024.
View SDSDownload
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Kleentek KT-TDS-MTT100 · Rev 3 · issued 8 Sep 2026. Dose, temperature, material compatibility, soils, bath control and transport. PDF, 722 KB.
View TDSDownload
Hazard identification
DANGERPer Safe Work Australia GHS 7
Corrosive to Metals - Category 1Irritation - Category 1AIrritation - Category 1
Hazard statements
H290May be corrosive to metals.
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Key precautions
P102Keep out of reach of children.
P103Read carefully and follow all instructions.
P234Keep only in original packaging.
P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P264Wash hands, face and all exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing including eye/face protection.
Compliant with the product SDS — full document available for your chemical register.
PPE & exposure controls
  • National occupational exposure limits: TWA STEL NOTICES ppm mg/m3 ppm mg/m3 Potassium hydroxide - 2 Peak - - - limitation Sodium hydroxide - 2 Peak - - - limitation Triethanolamine - 5 - - Sen As published by Safe Work Australia.
  • Product Name: MetalTek 100 Reference No: KT-CC-MTT100-20 Issued: 2024-08-23 Version: 1.0 Safety Data Sheet TWA - The time-weighted average airborne concentration over an eight-hour working day, for a five-day working week over an entire working life.
  • STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) - the average airborne concentration over a 15 minute period which should not be exceeded at any time during a normal eight-hour workday. ‘Sen' Notice - sensitiser.
  • The substance can cause a specific immune response in some people.
  • An affected individual may subsequently react to exposure to minute levels of that substance.
  • These Exposure Standards are guides to be used in the control of occupational health hazards.
  • All atmospheric contamination should be kept to as low a level as is workable.
  • These exposure standards should not be used as fine dividing lines between safe and dangerous concentrations of chemicals.
  • They are not a measure of relative toxicity.
  • If the directions for use on the product label are followed, exposure of individuals using the product should not exceed the above standard.
Compliant with the product SDS — full document available for your chemical register.
First aid
  • If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (Phone Australia 131 126, New Zealand 0800 764 766).
  • Inhalation: Remove victim from exposure - avoid becoming a casualty.
  • Remove contaminated clothing and loosen remaining clothing.
  • Allow patient to assume most comfortable position and keep warm.
  • Keep at rest until fully recovered.
  • Seek medical advice if effects persist.
  • Skin Contact: If skin or hair contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and flush skin and hair with running water.
  • If swelling, redness, blistering or irritation occurs seek medical assistance.
  • For gross contamination, immediately drench with water and remove clothing.
  • Continue to flush skin and hair with plenty of water (and soap if material is insoluble).
Compliant with the product SDS — full document available for your chemical register.
Storage & handling
  • Handling: Avoid eye contact and skin contact.
  • Avoid inhalation of vapour, mist or aerosols.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place and out of direct sunlight.
  • Store away from foodstuffs.
  • Store away from incompatible materials described in Section 10.
  • Store away from sources of heat and/or ignition.
  • Store in corrosive resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
  • Keep container standing upright.
  • Keep containers closed when not in use - check regularly for leaks.
  • This material is classified as a Class 8 Corrosive as per the criteria of the "Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail" and/or the "New Zealand NZS5433:
Compliant with the product SDS — full document available for your chemical register.
Disposal
  • Persons conducting disposal, recycling or reclamation activities should ensure that appropriate personal protection equipment is used, see "Section 8.
  • Exposure Controls and Personal Protection" of this SDS.
  • If possible material and its container should be recycled.
  • If material or container cannot be recycled, dispose in accordance with local, regional, national and international Regulations.
Compliant with the product SDS — full document available for your chemical register.
Transport & dangerous goods
  • Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the “Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail" and the "New Zealand NZS5433:
  • Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land".
  • UN No: 1824 Dangerous Goods Class: 8 Packing Group:
  • II Hazchem Code: 2R Emergency Response Guide No: 154 Limited Quantities 1L Proper Shipping Name:
  • SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION Segregation Dangerous Goods:
  • Not to be loaded with explosives (Class 1), dangerous when wet substances (Class 4.3), oxidising agents (Class 5.1), organic peroxides (Class 5.2), radioactive substances (Class 7) or food and food packaging in any quantity.
  • Note 1: Concentrated strong alkalis are incompatible with concentrated strong acids.
  • Note 2: Concentrated strong acids are incompatible with concentrated strong alkalis.
  • Note 3: Acids are incompatible with Dangerous Goods of Class 6 which are cyanides.
  • Exemptions may apply.
Compliant with the product SDS — full document available for your chemical register.
MetalTek 100 FAQ

Asked at the tank

What dilution and temperature do I run?
10–30% v/v (typ. 25%) at 60–80 °C — and the trial sets your exact process values against your soil. Running richer than specified wastes chemical without cleaning faster. That range is the chemistry’s window — not the whole answer. The substrate sets its own ceiling, and it is usually lower: aluminium and anodised finishes discolour above about 65 °C, zinc and coated parts lower again, and magnesium is governed by pH before temperature. Run at the lower of the two. Bath temperature — chemistry vs substrate →
Why do my parts flash rust after cleaning?
Because the clean worked — protective films are gone and the bare metal is active. Rinse DI, then protect: in-rinse inhibitor, Anti-Rust dip, or a displacing film for storage.
When do I change the bath?
When cycle times stretch, results fade, or filtration stops holding the debris. Drain, clean the tank, refill — never lay fresh solution over settled sludge.
Can algae grow in the bath if it sits unused?
Over extended stagnation, any warm diluted aqueous bath can support growth as preservative systems deplete. Prevention: circulate periodically, hold concentration at specification, lid the tank. If a bloom happens: drain, clean the tank including weir and lines with hot fresh solution, rinse and refill — never dose on top of growth.
Can I get the SDS before buying?
Yes — every product ships with its SDS, and documents are available ahead of purchase for your chemical register and risk assessments.

Prove it on your parts

The trial pairs MetalTek 100 with your components — concentration, temperature and cycle documented before you order a drum. Wrong chemistry for your soil? The trial says so.

Talk to an engineer Back to the Range
Goes with this

Filter bags for this bath

The bag is what keeps the bath working — it takes the soil out before it settles back onto the next load. This is a strong alkaline bath, and that rules the media in and out before micron rating comes into it.

what we would sendPolypropylene needlefeltStrong alkaline bath · pH above 11 · caustic

Rated to pH 14. This is what it is for. Start at 25 µm unless something downstream needs finer.

Not polyester or nylon. Caustic hydrolyses polyester — the ester bond is cleaved and the bag loses strength until it tears. Heat makes it fast. Use polypropylene. Nylon is rated pH 3–11. Above 11 it is out of spec.
Size 17″ × 16″housing 717Size 27″ × 32″housing 732Size 34″ × 8″housing 408Size 44″ × 14″housing 415
Which size, media and micron — the full guide →
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