Passivation of Small Diameter Tubing
Small Tube Passivation, Cleaning
Passivation is a critical part of our quality control and finishing processes here at New England Small Tube. The reason is stainless steel may oxidize if there are any traces of free iron on its surface. Traces of free iron may be embedded into the surface of stainless steel during the drawing process or while a part is being machined. If these particulates are not removed, then under certain conditions the stainless steel may oxidize and corrode.
Our Passivation Process
At NEST, passivation is performed under strict process controls to ensure consistency and complete surface coverage.
Our process includes:
Pre-Cleaning: Removal of oils, machining residues, and surface debris
Nitric Acid Bath Treatment: Dissolves free iron and contaminants
Deionized Water Rinse: Thorough rinsing to eliminate chemical residues
Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ensures complete penetration and coverage, especially for small diameter tubing and complex assemblies
Ultrasonic cleaning allows cleaning solutions to reach tight internal diameters, intricate geometries, and hard-to-access surfaces. This is a critical advantage for precision tube assemblies.
In-House Laboratory & Standards
All passivation is completed in our dedicated in-house laboratory as the final step prior to shipment. This allows us to maintain strict control over chemical concentrations, processing times, and quality verification.
Our internal specification, NE-6021 D, exceeds the Federal specification QQ-P-35, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and consistent surface quality.
Contact us today to discuss all of your tube needs.
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