1、What is Passivation?
As a post-fabrication method, passivation is intended to maximize the natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass and along with a number of other alloys. When stainless steel is newly formed it needs to be cleaned of lubricants, oils, greases and other substances used in its fabrication. Once the steel has been cleaned it must be passivated. Passivation is a process that treats metal surfaces with an acid solution to make the surface corrosion resistant.
Passive to atmospheric conditions by removing the free iron from the surface that causes corrosion. Once treated with an acid solution, slowly and naturally a passive layer develops on the surface of the steel as the chromium at the surface reacts with oxygen in the air to produce chromium oxide. The molecular layer of chromium oxide provides a barrier to prevent oxygen and moisture from reaching the iron underneath that would otherwise rust if oxygen and moisture contact the iron.
2、The Purpose of Passivated Springs
Because springs are highly susceptible to corrosion they need to be passivated. If springs are not passivated after they are formed, pitting and cavity corrosion of the metal will occur, reducing its strength, thickness, and structural integrity. In addition to environmental conditions, corrosion can occur simply through contact. Without passivation, if oxide deposits from a rusting piece of metal touch non-rusting stainless steel it will spread beyond the point of contact. Corrosion can also happen in any crevice or confined space on a metal’s surface, such as the gaps amongst a nut and a bolt.
3、How Passivated Springs are Treated
Passivated springs are treated through citric acid passivation or nitric acid passivation. Either method treats the metal with an acid solution that acts to remove any free iron from the metal’s surface before that iron can react to water and oxygen in the air, causing rust oxidation.
The use of citric acid passivation or nitric acid passivation of springs depends on its application. Medical grade stainless steel device passivation is an important aspect of taking care of medical parts and components. Today, custom springs for medical devices generally receive citric acid passivation due to its ease of chemical handling, disposal and overall safety for employees involved in the passivation of springs. On the other hand, food-grade stainless steel springs manufactured for use in the food industry typically utilize nitric acid passivation.
In the manufacturing of springs, passivation is a necessary step that is used to resist corrosion and further removal of contaminants from the surface of stainless steel components that have accrued during the manufacturing process.