Electro-Coatings

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Passivation

A chemically applied surface treatment for improved protection
passavation

Passivation removes surface impurities that cause corrosion and promote friction-related damage in stainless steel. When applied with the skill and expertise of Electro-Coatings professionals, the result is a protective film that won't create a variation in component tolerances.

Passivation removes the surface contamination created when stainless steel is machined and fabricated. These contaminants can result in premature corrosion that could ultimately damage the component. In addition to surface cleaning, passivation forms a thin, transparent oxide coating that fights selective oxidation.

How is passivation performed?

Passivation at Electro-Coatings is accomplished in two fundamental steps:

  • A thorough cleaning cycle removes oils, greases, forming compounds, lubricants, coolants, cutting fluids and other undesirable organic and metallic residue. General degreasing and cleaning can be accomplished in many ways, including vapor degreasing, solvent cleaning and alkaline soaking
  • A nitric acid bath in the 20 to 50% range by volume, with typical immersion times between 20 min and two hours. Bath temperatures range between room temperature and 160oF.

Factors in effective passivation


Careful process control is essential for the application of a quality passivation coating. A range of variables are factored into the calculations:

  • Bath control (time, temperature and concentration)
  • Water purity
  • Adjustment of bath solution to the stainless steel type
  • Chemical maintenance through the passivation process

A failure in process control can mean extreme pitting, etching, or even catastrophic failure and total dissolution of the entire component.

The skilled technologists at Electro-Coatings are masters of passivation process control, thanks to the latest in processing technology, extensive experience and a Yes, We Can attitude toward industry's most challenging applications.

For more info on the benefits of passivation, along with advice on other world-class coating solutions, contact an Electro-Coatings customer service representative here.