Removal of Weld Oxides (REWOX)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 550 000 |
| Project duration | October 2022 - September 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
| Call | Sustainable metal industry - Efficient material flows |
Important results from the project
The aim was to enable low environmental impact and long service life for welded stainless steel constructions, through effective oxide removal that ensures adequate corrosion resistance in welds. The project successfully investigated cleaning using portable/handheld electrolytic equipment and laser ablation on realistic welds in various stainless materials, and applied these techniques to industrial demonstrators. It highlighted the environmental and occupational health benefits of the methods.
Expected long term effects
By achieving effective oxide removal that ensures reliable corrosion resistance even in welds, constructions can gain longer service life, reducing the need for repairs and new production. The project shows that the methods offer environmental benefits, which may lead more companies to adopt greener cleaning techniques that also improve working conditions. By making the results visible, there is potential for broader industrial implementation, influencing standards and practices in welding.
Approach and implementation
The work packages were for the most part carried out chronologically according to the following structure: WP1 – Specification of materials, welding methods, applications and cleaning criteria WP2 – Welding WP3 – Post-weld cleaning using various methods WP4 – Corrosion testing and characterization WP5 – Impact on global environment and work environment WP6 – Dissemination of results and project management