Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an inclusive term for a number of iron alloys with chromium, nickel, or both. often containing additional elements including titanium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten. It is a highly corrosion resistant metal. It is one of the preferred metals for use in the Aerospace, Military and Food Industries.

Stainless steel is formed or machined into usable parts by employing hardened steel tools that necessarily have an iron factor present. Microscopically some of these iron particles will adhere to the stainless steel parts. Thus, rust can occur, which defeats the original purpose of fashioning parts in stainless steel.

Passivating is the process of cleaning such stainless steel parts of any metallic impurities that are present on their surfaces. This cleaning is accomplished by using strong acid solutions with Nitric Acid being the most common although Chromic Acid is sometimes employed.
After passivating, there is no dimensional or color change. Only the impurities such as~ oil, dirt, iron filings, and any other foreign substances are removed.