#1021 Brite Passivation

Industry:

Other - Manufacturers of breathing apparatus equipment

MFG/METHOD:

Stamping/Heat treated - Hook Latch

ALLOY:

17-7 Precipitation-hardening stainless steel

PROBLEM:

Our customer makes a compact breathing oxygen tank, which attaches to a belt around the waist of mining personnel. The Hook/Latch is part of the carrying case. In case of a lack of oxygen the mine personnel can use the compact oxygen tank. The Hook/Latch is made of 17-7 Precipitated-hardened stainless steel stamping which has a high tensile strength. They are heat-treated and discoloration is produced on the surface. The heat treat discoloration is an oxide and will accelerate corrosion.

SOLUTION:

Our customer needed the maximum corrosion protection for this critical application. Passivation could not remove the heat treat discoloration. Our customer chose Able Electropolishing. Electropolishing removed a controlled amount of material. The surface was left free of oxides, scale and discoloration. The Hook/Latch is bright and passive after electropolishing.

Note to engineer:The electropolishing process uncovers the true base metal, and does not leave a coating that may chip or peel. Although stainless steels are most commonly electropolished, there are literally hundreds of alloys that respond well to the process.