Stainless Steel Passivation

Passivation is a chemical process whereby soils and trace metallic elements from the machining process are removed from the surface of stainless steel, improving the inherent corrosion resistance of the material. The passivation process insures that the naturally occurring, protective oxide film is continuous on the stainless surface. Differing mineral acid concentrations and temperatures are used to match the process to the alloy of stainless steel. Nothing is deposited on the surface during the process. Chem Processing, Inc. offers nitric acid based passivating, as called out in most industry specifications.

Chem Processing Inc. Stainless Steel Passivation Capabilities:

  • Precision masking for selective surface passivation
  • Humidity, copper sulfate and cyclic immersion testing available
  • Critical handling (superfinished surfaces)
  • Abrasive blasting for scale removal

Advantages of Passivation of Titanium

Titanium provides high specific strength, good high temperature properties and exceptional corrosion resistance. Titanium’s corrosion resistance is provided by a tightly adherent TiO2 film. Its excellent corrosion resistance makes titanium an option for chemical processing equipment, marine equipment, biomedical implants and much more.

While titanium possesses excellent corrosion resistance, it still may be affected by surface contaminates and oxides which may be removed by passivation and finishing.

Benefits of Passivating Titanium

Titanium can be mechanically polished to improve surface finish, reduce product adhesion and to improve cleanability. Harrison Electropolishing can mechanically polish titanium and certify surface finishes as low as 4 Ra micro-inches. The passivation of titanium does not affect or improve its corrosion resistant oxide layer. However, passivation of titanium does remove iron and other surfaces contaminates

Finish Specification Cross-Reference

The cross reference above is for approximate reference only. Specifications are similar but not always identical. Always check the actual specification and you can always call our engineers for guidance.

PASSIVATION – SS & TITANIUM
Finish Also Known As MIL-SPEC AMS ASTM MIL-STD-171 MIL-F-14072
Passivate  SS Passivation
Titanium Passivation		 MIL S 5002 SAE AMS 2700E
AMS A380
AMS-QQ-P-35 Types II, VI, VII, VIII		 ASTM A967
ASTM A380
ASTM B912
ASTM B600
E300		 5.4.1 E300