Brite® Passivation Service for Stainless Steel
Don’t just passivate… Brite® passivate!
Passivation is routinely specified on millions of tons of stainless steel annually. As a chemical process that removes free iron and creates a chromium rich surface, passivation is now found to be inferior to other more effective techniques.
Since 1954, we have applied our unique processes to improve corrosion resistance on a wide range of metals including the full range of stainless steels, Inconel, Hastelloy and many other alloys. In hundreds of salt spray and other corrosion tests, our process has provided up to 30 times the corrosion protection of passivation alone.
By dissolving surface metal, we remove deeply imbedded contamination, reduce surface area and remove the false or amorphous layer that is produced by grinding, machining, stamping or lapping metal. Less imbedded contamination, less retained surface moisture means less chance for corrosion to begin.
Medical parts better resist harsh autoclave chemicals and temperatures. Automotive parts stay clean and bright after years of exposure to road salt. Food, Pharmaceutical and Biotech equipment hold up longer with CIP (Clean in Place) processes. Marine hardware will retain their smooth finish after long exposures to salt water. Components used in Semiconductor applications resist harsh chemicals when Brite passivated.
Our process is approved under ASTM B 912-02, and is approved by many of America’s largest industrial companies. We have developed bulk processes that provide economical treatment to millions of parts annually.
Of course, we provide chemical passivation as well. Either way, put Able to the test. Send us your sample part and we’ll process it for your evaluation and testing.
FAQ Able Brite® Passivation
What is the key difference between passivation with nitric or citric acid and Brite® passivation?
Passivation is a chemical treatment that slightly alters the very top surface chemistry of metal. In most cases, you cannot tell by visual inspection whether a part has been passivated. Brite® passivation carefully dissolves a small amount of surface metal, and removes discoloration, oxides and imbedded contamination. The metal part is cleaner and brighter as a result, hence the term Brite® passivation.
Is Brite® passivation an etch or bright dip?
Brite passivation is not a chemical etching or bright dip process, and does not cause hydrogen embrittlement. Chemical etching and bright dip processes attack surface metal with aggressive chemicals. While they remove surface metal, there is far less control and potential problems with hydrogen embrittlement. Brite® passivation uses a combination of electrical current and chemicals to precisely control the metal removal without surface damage. The chemicals used in Brite® passivation are non-reactive to most metals unless electricity is applied.
What is the difference between Brite® passivation and electropolishing?
In most cases, Brite® passivation is a light electropolish.We remove less material than other electropolishing applications, and do so in a bulk process as well as rack. In many cases, Brite® passivation provides superior finish and corrosion resistance to passivated parts at a competitive price.
Why not just call the process Light Electropolish?
We named the process Brite® passivation to call attention to the corrosion enhancement aspects of our proprietary processes. While we apply our technologies to deburr, size and smooth metal on over 100 alloys, this allows us to show engineers that it is superior to passivation, a process used on millions of tons of stainless steels each year.
Is this process proven or approved by any major customers/agencies?
We have applied this process since 1954 for many Fortune 500 companies in the Food, Automotive, Semiconductor, Aerospace and Medical fields. Most of these companies have their own specifications, but ASTM B 912-02 calls out for electropolishing as an approved substitute for passivation.
Does Able provide standard passivation as well as Brite® passivation?
Yes. We provide standard passivation.
How do I sample your process?
Start by calling our experts at 888-868-2900. They can guide you either toward our bulk or rack processes. In general, the bulk process needs about 250 sample parts, with the rack process requiring only 12-24 pieces.
Contact us to learn more about brite passivation
