Stainless Steel Passivation Process
The passivation process is the chemical removal of iron contaminates left behind on the stainless steel surface from machining and fabrication. These contaminants, if not removed, could potentially corrode and deteriorate the stainless steel. This process also leaves a thin transparent oxide film that protects the stainless steel from corrosion. It is a combination of cleaning and a protective coating.
The passivation process is necessary to help return each stainless steel part to its original corrosion specifications. It’s important to note that the process does not eliminate imperfections such as burrs, oxide scale, or tinting from heat, but it does improve corrosion-resistance in stainless steel alloys.
Passivation of stainless steel has been widely used for years by the medical, aerospace, electronics, and other high tech industries that require maximum performance from products manufactured from corrosion-resistant steels.