WHAT IS PASSIVATION?
More Than Cleaning — It's Chemical Transformation
Passivation is not a cleaning process — it's a controlled chemical treatment that maximizes the corrosion resistance of stainless steel components.
The Science: Stainless steel contains chromium, which naturally reacts with oxygen to form a thin protective oxide layer. However, machining processes contaminate this layer with free iron particles that cause corrosion.
Passivation removes free iron and accelerates the formation of a uniform, dense chromium oxide barrier (Cr₂O₃) that provides maximum corrosion protection.
The Result: Enhanced corrosion resistance, improved biocompatibility, and surfaces that meet FDA, AS9100D, and ISO 13485 requirements.
CUSTOM EDM SERVICES
Atomic Machine provides precision Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) services for aerospace, medical, and defense applications. Our advanced Wire EDM uses electrically charged wire to cut intricate shapes in any conductive material — including hardened steel and exotic alloys.
WHY PASSIVATE?
Critical Protection for Critical Components
WITHOUT PASSIVATION:
❌ Free iron contamination remains on surface
❌ Inconsistent oxide layer formation
❌ Vulnerable to corrosion and rust
❌ Risk of failed inspections
❌ Shortened component life
WITH PASSIVATION:
✓ Free iron completely removed
✓ Uniform protective oxide layer
✓ Maximum corrosion resistance
✓ Regulatory compliance (ASTM A967, AMS 2700)
✓ Extended component life
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
MEDICAL DEVICES
Surgical instruments, implants, trays, containers, and reusable devices. Passivation provides biocompatible surfaces that resist body fluids, cleaning chemicals, and repeated sterilization.
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
Aircraft fittings, fasteners, hydraulic components, fuel system parts. AMS 2700 certified passivation ensures corrosion resistance in extreme environments.
FOOD & PHARMACEUTICAL
Processing equipment, tanks, piping, valves. FDA-compliant passivation creates clean, corrosion-resistant surfaces for product contact applications.
INDUSTRIAL & HYDRAULICS
Manifolds, cylinders, fittings, pumps. Passivation prevents rust and extends service life in corrosive environments.
OUR PASSIVATION PROCESS
ASTM A967 & AMS 2700 Certified Treatment
Step 1: Pre-Cleaning Remove oils, greases, and machining residues that interfere with passivation.
Step 2: Passivation Treatment Immersion in citric acid or nitric acid solution (per ASTM A967) to remove free iron and promote oxide formation.
Step 3: Rinsing & Neutralization Complete removal of passivation chemistry with deionized water.
Step 4: Verification Testing Water break test, copper sulfate test, or salt spray testing to verify complete passivation.
Step 5: Documentation Certificate of Conformance with process parameters, test results, and material traceability.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Capabilities & Standards
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Standards: ASTM A967, AMS 2700, AMS-QQ-P-35
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Methods: Citric acid (preferred for medical), Nitric acid
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Part Size: Small components to large assemblies
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Materials: All grades of stainless steel (300 series, 400 series, PH grades, duplex)
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Volume: Prototype to production quantities
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Verification: Water break test, copper sulfate test, salt spray (per customer requirements)
CERTIFICATIONS & STANDARDS
Quality Systems You Can Trust
ISO 13485:2016 – Medical device quality management,
AS9100D – Aerospace quality standards,
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems
Complete Documentation Package Includes:
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Certificate of Conformance
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Material certifications
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Test results (copper sulfate, water break, etc.)
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Process parameter records
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Full audit trail for FDA and AS9100D compliance
INTEGRATED SERVICES
Complete Manufacturing Solutions
Passivation works best when integrated with your complete manufacturing workflow:
Machine → Mark → Passivate
✓ CNC machine your stainless steel components
✓ Laser mark for permanent traceability
✓ Passivate for maximum corrosion protection
Single facility. Single quality system. Faster delivery.
NEED CORROSION-RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL?
Request a passivation quote today. Our team will review your material grade, application, and requirements.
Call: 239-272-7850
Email: bill@atomicmachine.com | info@atomicmachine.com
Visit: 1236 Industrial Blvd, Naples, FL 34104
ASTM A967 & AMS 2700 Certified Since 2024
FAQ
Common Passivation Questions
Q: Is passivation the same as cleaning? A: No. Cleaning removes surface contamination. Passivation is a chemical treatment that removes free iron and creates a protective oxide layer.
Q: How do I know if my parts need passivation? A: If your stainless steel components will be exposed to corrosive environments, body fluids, chemicals, or require FDA/aerospace compliance — passivation is essential.
Q: Does passivation change part dimensions? A: No. Passivation is a chemical surface treatment that does not remove measurable material or affect dimensions.
Q: Can you passivate laser-marked parts? A: Yes. Passivation is safe for laser-marked components and does not damage marks.
Q: What's the turnaround time? A: Typical turnaround is 5-7 business days. Rush service available.