Passivation is a chemical treatment that removes free iron and surface contaminants from stainless steel and strengthens its naturally occurring, corrosion-resistant chromium-oxide layer. It does not change part dimensions.

What is the difference between nitric and citric acid passivation?

Nitric acid is the traditional, aggressive method effective on heavy contamination. Citric acid is biodegradable and safer for medical, food, and pharmaceutical work while achieving comparable corrosion resistance. Harrison offers both.

When should stainless steel be passivated?

After machining, welding, grinding, or forming; before high-purity service; when customer or industry standards require it; and on a preventive-maintenance schedule in high-chloride environments.

Does passivation change part dimensions?

No. Passivation removes only free iron and contaminants, so there is no measurable change to base-material dimensions.

What standards does Harrison passivate to?

ASTM A967, ASTM A380, ASTM B912 (electropolishing passivation), AMS 2700, and customer-specific specifications, with copper sulfate and ferroxyl testing for verification.

Stainless Steel Passivation

Stainless Steel Passivation, Electropolishing & Pickling

Stainless steel passivation is a chemical cleaning treatment that uses a mild oxidant intended to remove free iron and other foreign matter from the surface layer of stainless steel parts, for the purpose of improving corrosion resistance by enhancing the formation and structure of the material's naturally forming corrosion-resistant passive layer. When stainless steel has been chosen for a specific environment, and it still rusts, then something has likely affected the surface of the material. Real-world fabrication, welding, and handling of stainless steel components will leave surface contaminants. These contaminants, including weld oxides and embedded particles, hinder stainless steel’s natural ability to resist corrosion. Pickling and/or Passivation can remove these surface contaminants, and allow the material to perform as it is engineered.

Harrison Electropolishing has performed stainless steel passivation services with excellent results since 1980. We have the capacity to passivate stainless steel components of all sizes at our facility or a job site anywhere in the world. We can perform passivation treatments with nitric acid or citric acid. Harrison Electropolishing will perform chemical passivation treatments in compliance with ASTM specifications or your industry or company-specific chemical passivation standard.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS

ASTM A967
ASTM A380
QQ-P-35C
ASTM B912
SAE AMS 2700E

Benefits of Stainless Steel Passivation

The presence of exogenous surface contaminants may disrupt the formation of stainless steel's naturally corrosion-resistant surface layer. Surface contaminants, including grease, dirt, iron, and other metallic particles are inherent to the metal fabrication process. The chemical passivation process will improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel parts and improve the part's surface finish. During a stainless steel passivation treatment, foreign contaminants are removed from the surface which promotes the formation of a chromium-rich corrosion-resistant layer that reduces the risk of product contamination in the future and extends the life of your stainless steel parts.

Request A Quote

Primary CTA

Request a Quote

800-245-5707

Edit Here

Harrison Electro Polishing, the Leading Electropolishing, Passivation, Oxygen Cleaning & Mechanical Polishing Company World Wide.

Electropolishing is an electrochemical process by which surface material is removed by anodic dissolution. Electropolishing removes surface material, beginning with the high points within the microscopic surface texture. By removing these points, the electropolishing process will improve the surface finish of a metal such as stainless steel, nickel, and Hastelloy, leaving a smoother and more reflective surface. Common parts and components electropolished include tanks, piping, fittings, rods, discs, large parts & surfaces, and more.