Many cast metal products are heat-treated to improve their properties. The main concerns in this small subsector are with air emissions from furnaces and from oils used in pressing and cooling the parts. The next major step in production is machining and forming. The major environmental concerns in machining and forming include use and disposal of machine lubricants and coolants, aqueous and solvent cleaning systems, and recycling of scrap. Cleaning metal parts with chemical solvents is very common.
Many solvents are hazardous and regulated.
There are many resources for solvent substitution and management in general and for metal products production in particular. This document lists only a few of the best resources for solvents. Once products are completely formed, they may be finished through electroplating, painting, powder coating or other coating processes. Consult the Metal Finishing document for more information about this issue. Trade associations have websites with technical guidance, suppliers, and discussion forums where questions can be asked and answered, all for free.