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.
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
✓ Standards: ASTM A967, AMS 2700, AMS-QQ-P-35
✓ Methods: Citric acid (preferred for medical), Nitric acid
✓ Part Size: Small components to large assemblies
✓ Materials: All grades of stainless steel (300 series, 400 series, PH grades, duplex)
✓ Volume: Prototype to production quantities
✓ 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.