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 considered inferior to other, more effective techniques.
Since 1954, we have applied our unique processes to improve corrosion resistance across a wide range of metals, including all 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 embedded contamination, reduce surface area, and remove the false or amorphous layer that is produced by grinding, machining, stamping, or lapping metal. Less embedded contamination and less retained surface moisture mean a lower risk of corrosion.
Medical parts are better able to 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 its 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 also provide chemical passivation. Either way, put Able to the test. Send us your sample part, and we’ll process it for your evaluation and testing.
Able Brite Passivation FAQ
What is the key difference between nitric, 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 embedded contamination. As a result, the metal part is cleaner and brighter, hence the term Brite passivation.
Is Brite passivation an etch or a 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 a greater risk of 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 nonreactive with most metals unless an electric current 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 in other electropolishing applications and do so in both bulk and rack processes. In many cases, Brite passivation provides a 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 highlight the corrosion-enhancing aspects of our proprietary processes. While we apply our technologies to deburr, size and smooth metal on over 100 alloys, this allows us to demonstrate to engineers that it is superior to passivation, a process used on millions of tons of stainless steel 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 requires about 250 sample parts, while the rack process requires only 12-24 pieces.
Contact us to learn more about brite passivation
