Ensitech, the Australian product development company, has introduced a new pH-neutral solution to clean stainless steel welds in Europe. Member of Parliament for Pudsey, Leeds, Stuart Andrew, launched the TB-31ND Neutral Weld Cleaning Fluid for Stainless Steel. Ensitech has worked alongside two Leeds companies, Vickers Laboratories and Engineering Utilities, to produce and distribute the solution. The company developed this fluid in response to the discoloration of stainless steel that happens when welding. Often referred to as heat tint or blueing, the discoloration must be removed in situations where finished appearance is of importance. Traditionally, this has been done using a highly toxic acidic substance called pickling paste. However, the paste requires high levels of personal protection equipment and even then it continues to cause injuries to workers, is highly difficult to dispose of, and is harmful to the environment. The new Ensitech TB-31ND fluid (Patent Pending) has neutral pH7 which, when used in conjunction with Ensitech’s TIG Brush(R) weld cleaning machine, enables heat tint to be removed with total safety. At the same time, it completes the passivation process that restores stainless steel’s corrosion-resistant properties after welding. All residue is biodegradable and can be washed away with water; the safety of the fluid also means it can be air freighted.