Passivate

Passivation Process

Passivation is the process of treating a metal surface to reduce the impact of environmental factors such as water or air. With regard to plating, a common practice is to coat a surface with a metal oxide to slow down the oxidation process, thus providing greater corrosion resistance. Passivates may be available in a variety of colors, including yellow, clear-blue black, and green which can enhance the appearance of the material or make parts identification easier.

METAL PASSIVATION

Passivation is commonly used in zinc or zinc-alloy plating as part of the post-treatment process to prevent the onset of white rust, which is a rapidly spreading localized rust area that is prevalent with zinc. Chrome, Cobalt, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Tungsten, and Vanadium are commonly used to create a passivation layer for zinc, aluminum, and magnesium. Chrome-free passivates are now readily available to consumers. This alternative passivation process offers similar corrosion protection and some improved coloring ability especially in the black spectrum. As an added benefit of chrome-free passivation, a finishing lacquer may be applied after passivation to create a tighter protective seal.

PASSIVATION OF STAINLESS STEEL

While naturally corrosion-resistant, stainless steel is still susceptible to rusting — or roughing — in certain environmental conditions. Depending on the grade of stainless steel plating, passivation may be necessary to maintain the desired finish and function.

Common methods of passivation of stainless steel use nitric acid-based or citric acid passivation baths at different temperatures and concentrations. After going through a thorough surface cleaning process, the specific method and type of passivation process is determined based on the future application of the part. Passivation of stainless steel removes exogenous iron, creates a protective layer that shields the object from rust and oxidation, and cleans it of dirt and other corrosive elements and compounds.

PASSIVATION PROCESS FROM SPC

Sharretts Plating Company offers Chrome 6 Free zinc passivation that provides unmatched corrosion protection. Our Hexavalent Chrome Free passivates are environmentally friendly processes that enhances torque and tension performance for cold-formed components used in the automotive industry. Chrome 6 Free is available in both yellow and clear-blue, and black passivates. We also offer passivation that is designed to comply with the stringent U.S. Regulatory Agencies such as the EPA and OSHA, and international directives such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). SPC’s team of plating specialists is thoroughly informed of current standards. We strive for continued innovation in passivation of stainless steel and other metallic elements and compounds.

WHY CHOOSE SPC FOR PASSIVATION OF STAINLESS STEEL AND OTHER METALS?

The value of doing business with SPC lies in our deep commitment to you, the customer. Our staff of scientists, engineers and production technicians combines hundreds of years of industrial plating business experience. We put our technology expertise, teamwork and problem-solving skills to work for you. Over the course of more than 80 years in business, Sharretts Plating Company has created and fine-tuned a variety of metal finishing processes. We specialize in the highest quality passivation for zinc plating and passivation of stainless steel. We're a recognized leader in the development of business improvement processes that help companies like yours reduce costs and increase operating efficiency.

Contact us to learn more about how passivation can help you reduce the harmful impact of corrosion while extending the life of your metal parts and materials. An SPC engineer will guide you through the entire process and recommend the most effective and economical solutions for industrial plating, passivation of metals and cost-cutting service packages.