Ultrasonic Automated System Moves the fluids, not the parts. Pros: Lower System Cost: Typically less expensive to purchase and install. Simplified Maintenance: Fewer moving parts reduce the risk of mechanical failure and simplify upkeep. Compact Footprint: Takes up less space on the production floor. Flexible Tank Placement: Storage tanks can be located outside of the […]
What is the industry standard for acceptable particle count after cleaning or passivation?
Acceptable particle counts depend on the specification which the parts are processed to: ASTM A967, A380, F86, AMS 2700, etc. For passivation, DI rinse water is recommended for best results. Our automated systems offer conductivity meters which monitor water quality and total dissolved solids. The storage tanks have facility DI water source needle valves which open when […]
Passivation vs. Anodizing: Understanding the Differences
In the world of metal surface treatment, passivation and anodizing are two critical processes that enhance the durability and corrosion resistance of metal parts. Understanding the differences between these processes can help industries choose the right method for their specific needs. What is Passivation? Passivation is a chemical process that removes free iron from the […]
What is passivation?
Passivation is a non-electrolytic process that enhances the corrosion resistance of stainless steel by removing free iron from its surface. Typically performed using nitric or citric acid, this treatment creates an inert, protective oxide layer. In metal finishing, “to passivate” means to perform this crucial process that prevents rust formation by eliminating reactive iron that […]
Why are two rinses often recommended after passivation?
When parts are passivated with citric or nitric acid, the parts themselves, as well as the basket they are in, carry some of the acid into the rinse tank. This “drag out” means that the rinse solution has to be constantly replaced or will simply become more and more acidic over time. The biggest issue […]
What’s the difference between passivation vs. electropolishing?
As a non-electrolytic process, passivation uses solutions like citric and nitric acids instead of an electrical current used in electropolishing to create a inert oxide layer / film and remove free iron and foreign matter from metal surfaces. Electropolishing, a non-mechanical interactive process, can be used on objects with complex geometries. The electropolishing process uses a combination […]
What’s involved in the passivation validation process?
Within the medical device world there is a need to validate the passivation process. But what does that mean, and how does that work? Validation is the process of insuring that the passivation process you use will reproduce repeatable and predictable results every time a batch of parts is run through the process. By validating the process […]
What is the best method of passivation?
Have you ever noticed that many day-to-day things seem to get divided into two opposing camps? Things like asking what’s the best computer quickly become the PC versus Mac debate. Phones? iPhone versus Android. So, passivation? Yup, nitric versus citric. There are real advantages to each nitric and citric passivation, but that is a topic for other […]
Why are automated systems easier to process validate than manual equipment?
Process control and stability are critical aspects to regulated medical device and aerospace processes. It is important to ensure that a process has input and output variable limits which are defined and fully tested during process design, Equipment Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ) and Process Qualification (PQ) validation testing. Setting up a proper DOE (Design […]
What’s the difference between nitric and citric passivation?
Both nitric acid and citric acid are effective in passivating many grades of stainless steel, and both methods are described in the industry standards ASTM A967 and AMS 2700. Citric acid passivation offers the following key differences. Compared to nitric acid passivation, citric acid passivation is: Newer More environmentally friendly Safer. In the past, some manufacturers avoided […]
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