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passivation

Stainless Steel Passivation

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metal passivation

Maximizing Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is widely used in a variety of industries due to its inherent corrosion resistance properties. However, during the manufacturing process, free iron and other contaminants can be introduced to the surface of stainless steel. This can compromise the stainless steel's passive layer and increase the risk of corrosion. To prevent corrosion, passivation is used to remove any surface contaminants and maximize the corrosion-resistant nature of stainless steel.
Citric acid passivation, in particular, is a non-electrolytic finishing process that uses citric acid to remove free iron and other surface contaminants from stainless steel surfaces. The citric passivation process results in an inert, passive oxide layer that is rich in chromium oxides, which enhances corrosion protection.
armoloy plated component using PFAS free process after passivation

Details About Armoloy Passivation

Initially a development for the beverage industry, citric acid passivation is now a common process in food, medical, aerospace, semiconductor, and military applications, among others.

The process complies with common industry specifications such as AMS 2700, ASTM A380, and ASTM A967, and is subject to periodic testing using methods such as water immersion, copper sulfate testing, and salt spray (ASTM B 117). Citric acid passivation applicable to most stainless steels, including all 300/400 series SS and high chromium content steels such as 17-4. By removing surface contaminants and maximizing the protective oxide layer, citric passivation can extend the lifespan of stainless steel components and minimize maintenance costs.

To learn more about the passivating process and how it can benefit your industry, check out our two available passivation treatments, citric and nitric. If you’re unsure which passivation treatment is best suited to your requirements, contact our application engineers today for more information.

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Passivation

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Passivation
nut and bolt
metal surface at x2000 magnitude after citric passivation
Citric Passivation
Citric Passivation
Natural and eco-friendly. Citric passivation uses a non-electrolytic finishing process to help industry manufactures worldwide enhance corrosion resistance.
Passivation
nut and bolt
nitric passivation
Nitric Passivation
Nitric Passivation
Nitric acid passivation is an effective method for increasing the longevity of stainless steel materials.
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Services at Armoloy

The Armoloy Corporation is here to provide support for your project, starting from the discovery phase and continuing through a successful production launch. Whether coatings are considered during the initial part design phase or become necessary due to product failures in the field, our team can assist you at any stage in the process.

Chemist testing metal coating sample
Research & Development
Fully equipped R&D plating lab for test runs, prototyping, and continual development of our plating technologies. Our cradle-to-grave approach ensures high-quality outcomes for your project.
Process Development & Validation
Support from design to product launch with coating selection, prototyping, testing, PPAP completion, and plating production on any scale. We also support a range of ASTM and AMS test methods with a NADCAP-certified laboratory. 
Fulfillment
The Armoloy Corporation ensures the development of a repeatable plating process that can be achieved at any one of our process fulfillment centers around the world. We will handle prototyping, process validation, cost engineering, and much more.

Qualifications

Specifications

ASTM A380 Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling, and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment, and Systems
ASTM A967 Standard Specification for Chemical Passivation Treatments for Stainless Steel Parts
AMS 2700 Passivation of Corrosion Resistant Steels

Adding Value. Developing Solutions.

With over 65 years of experience in our field, The Armoloy Corporation helps global manufacturers protect their most valuable, high-tuned machined components with a premium lineup of passivating techniques.

Machine part closeup after Armoloy passivation process

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Eliminate metal failure from your operations. Meet our group of curious, innovative engineers and learn how we can help improve your industry with science-based solutions.

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