Stainless steel can be prone to corrosion if the surface becomes contaminated.
At Metapic, we specialise in using chemical treatments such as pickling and passivation to cleanse the surface and promote the formation of a protective chromium-oxide layer.
This process helps maintain the durability and longevity of stainless steel in various industrial applications.
Passivation is a chemical treatment applied to stainless steel surfaces to eliminate contaminants and enhance the formation of a passive oxide film.
This film, which develops on freshly exposed surfaces, is crucial for maintaining the steel’s resistance to corrosion.
Common passivation treatments at Metapic use nitric acid (HN03) solutions to cleanse the steel surface of any free iron contaminants.
This treatment also promotes the rapid development of a passive chromium-oxide film, which is essential for protecting the stainless steel from environmental exposure.
Unlike pickling, passivation does not significantly alter the appearance of the steel.
We perform all passivation treatments in accordance with ASTM A967, the globally accepted standard, ensuring that your stainless-steel components receive the best possible protection.
Established in Sheffield in 1960 Metapic have been an ever present company steel treatment company for over 60 years.
With years of hands-on experience, we offer a comprehensive range of cleaning and chemical passivation processes.
Our time-served expertise ensures high-quality results across various applications, providing reliable and effective solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy consisting primarily of iron, nickel, and chromium. The corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel come from its chromium content. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a thin layer of chromium oxide that protects the steel from rusting. The purpose of passivation is to enhance and optimise the formation of this protective layer.
At Metapic, our passivation process involves immersing stainless steel components in a specialised acid bath. This bath dissolves free iron particles from the surface while leaving the chromium intact. By chemically removing the free iron, we ensure that the surface has a higher concentration of chromium, resulting in a more uniform and corrosion-resistant finish.
After treatment, the stainless steel is exposed to air, allowing the formation of the protective chromium oxide layer over the next 24 to 48 hours. The increased chromium content at the surface promotes the development of a thicker, more robust oxide layer, which further strengthens the metal’s resistance to corrosion.
This passive layer creates a chemically inert surface, effectively protecting the stainless steel from rust and ensuring long-term durability, even in harsh environments. At Metapic, our expertise in passivation guarantees that your stainless steel components receive the highest level of protection and performance.
With over 60 years of experience in metal treatment, Metapic offers unparalleled expertise in both pickling and passivation processes.
Our advanced facilities and skilled team are dedicated to delivering exceptional results across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Water Treatment, and more.
Trust Metapic to enhance the performance and longevity of your stainless-steel assets with our comprehensive metal treatment services.