electroless nickel & composite nickel plating specialists

Contrary to popular belief, stainless steels are not really "stainless" and suffer surface degradation under certain undersirable conditions. During forming, grinding, machining, tumbling, lapping and other processing operations, particles of iron may be imbedded in or smeared on the surfaces of stainless steel components. If allowed to remain, the iron contamination corrodes, and often gives the appearance of small rust spots on the stainless steel. This condition may also be accompanied by severe tarnishing which is the result of various anodic contaminants.

In order to prevent this condition, semi-finished or finished parts are given a passivation treatment that meets or exceeds the requirements of AMS-QQ-P-35 or ASTM-A-967. This treatment, which consists of immersing the stainless steel parts in various surface conditioners prior to an immersion in a citric or nitric acid based solution, dissolves the embedded or smeared iron.

This process is designed to minimize hydrogen embrittlement of the metal while it restores the original corrosion resistant surface by forming a thin transparent oxide film. Stainless steel processed in this manner also maintain a more noble (Cathodic) potential, further enhancing corrosion resistance which extends "shelf life".

Typical applications include:

• Prior to welding or brazing.
• Medical and Dental instruments.
• Electronic frames.
• Optical components.
• Sanitary Drainage Products.