Alpha Metal Finishing

Stainless Passivation

ASTM A380 and A967

Alpha Metal Finishing proudly offers passivation for stainless steel. Stainless steel derives its corrosion resistant properties from its chromium content. The chromium, in the presence of air (oxygen), forms a thin film of chromium oxide which covers the surface of the stainless steel.

Passivation is a non-electrolytic process which maximizes the natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It can remove surface contamination, such as particles of iron-containing shop dirt and iron particles from cutting tools that can form rust or act as initiation sites for corrosion. Alpha uses nitric acid to remove free iron (and dirt) from the surface and this forms an inert, protective oxide layer.