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Passivation

Protection & corrosion resistance for stainless steel & metals

Passivation of metals – long-term protection for stainless steel & co

Passivation is a chemical process for forming a protective layer on metallic surfaces. This passive layer prevents or significantly slows down the oxygen corrosion of the base material.

During the passivation process, foreign particles such as oxide layers or alloy components are removed, while the natural passive layer is strengthened. The result is a dense, self-healing protective layer that improves corrosion protection and increases the longevity of the material.

Why passivation is essential for stainless steel

Passivated components are resistant to corrosion, environmental influences and mechanical stress.

Passivation offers many advantages for metal processing and corrosion protection:

No metal removal

Fit surfaces with tolerances ≥ 2 μm are retained

Self-healing protective layer

Passivation layer renews itself when damaged

Ideal for complex components

Interior areas & drill holes are also treated

Reinforcement of the natural passive layer

Denser and more resistant layer than untreated surfaces

Passivation – not only for new, but also for corroded surfaces

Passivation is not only suitable for new components, but also for the restoration and maintenance of already corroded surfaces.

Removal of traces of corrosion

Restoration of the protective layer

Weld seams & scaled areas

Additional protection without prior staining or blasting

Extension of material service life

Subsequent protection for stressed components

Removal of traces of corrosion

Restoration of the protective layer

Weld seams & scaled areas

Additional protection without prior staining or blasting

Extension of material service life

Subsequent protection for stressed components

    How passivation also protects hard-to-reach areas

    This makes it particularly suitable for complex components that require even protection.

    As passivation is a chemical process, it also reaches hard-to-reach areas such as:

    Boreholes & interior areas
    Fine structures & cavities
    Scaled weld seams & critical contact points

    Properties of passivated surfaces

    Passivation is a proven process, especially for stainless steels with a high chromium, nickel and molybdenum content.

    Passivated surfaces offer a variety of technical advantages:

    Increased corrosion resistance
    Protection against environmental influences & aggressive media
    No dimensional change
    No significant erosion of the material
    Optimised weld seams & treatment surfaces
    Scaled areas are sustainably protected
    Self-healing effect
    Passive layer renews itself on contact with oxygen

    Dimensions & technical possibilities

    Metalux offers passivation in various sizes and weights. Our systems are designed to meet a wide range of requirements in order to realise individual customer wishes.

    What component sizes can be passivated?

    Procedure / ProcessingLength in mmWidth in mmDepth in mm

    80-T-35-1200 Supplement 2
    760
    220
    700

    AMS 2700 Typ 2
    LAT – 4 – 1201Typ A
    DIN-EN-2516 C 1
    DIN-EN-2516 C 4
    760
    220
    700

    AMS 2700 Typ 8
    970
    270
    700

    AMS 2700 Typ 7
    760
    220
    700

    80 – T – 35 – 1200 Supplement 1
    LAT-4-1201Typ B
    2600
    440
    1000

    AMS 2700 Typ 1
    2000
    310
    1000

    DIN EN 2516 C 2
    2600
    440
    1000
    All product window sizes

    Which materials benefit from passivation?

    Passivation is mainly used for stainless steels with a high chromium, nickel and molybdenum content. These include:

    Stainless steel & stainless steels

    Titanium & titanium alloys

    Edelstahl & rostfreie Stähle

    Automobilindustrie

    Haftvermittler für Lackierungen & Klebeverbindungen

    Elektrotechnik & EMV-Gehäuse

    Geringer Kontaktwiderstand für leitfähige Verbindungen

      The selection of the right process depends on the alloy & the intended use of the component.

      FAQ about passivation

      What is the difference between natural & artificial passivation?

      Non-rusting steels form a thin passive layer by themselves, which can be reinforced and compacted by artificial passivation.

      Can passivation be used on corroded components?

      Yes, passivation is also suitable for restoration & maintenance and helps to stop corrosion damage.

      How does the passive layer have a self-healing effect?

      On contact with oxygen, the protective layer can renew itself after damage, thereby maintaining the corrosion protection.

      Does passivation change the surface structure?

      No, as it is a purely chemical process without metal removal, the surface remains intact.

      Which industries use passivation?

      Passivation is used in the aerospace, medical technology, food industry and mechanical engineering sectors.