--- title: What Can and Can’t Be Passivated? | Able Electropolishing description: Learn how Able Electropolishing can provide you with the knowledge, prototyping, precision and reliable results you need image: https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hubfs/metal-tools.jpg --- - [**Free Sample**](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/free-sample-offer) - [**Request Quote**](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/request-a-quote/) - - - - - - - ![Able Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/themes/able/img/phone-icon.png) [(888) 868-2900 |](tel:1-888-868-2900) - ITAR Registered - [![ISO 9001 Certification](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NQA-ISO-9001-Logo-ANAB.jpg)](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-9001-Certificate.pdf) - [![ISO 13485 Certification](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NQA-ISO-13485-Logo-ANAB.jpg)](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-13485-Certificate.pdf) - 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Col-1 - Electropolishing eliminates microscopic imperfections for the following alloys: - inner-col-1 - [Stainless Steel 200 & 300 Series](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/200-300-series-stainless-steel/) - [Stainless Steel 400 Series](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/400-series-stainless-steel/) - [Aluminum](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/aluminum/) - [AL6XN](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/al6xn-electropolishing/) - [Carbon Steel](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/carbon-steels/) - [Cobalt 21 & Cobalt-Chrome](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/cobalt-21-cobalt-chrome-electropolishing-services/) - [Copper & Brass](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/copper-and-brass/) - [Elgiloy](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/elgiloy-electropolishing/) - [Hastelloy](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/hastelloy-electropolishing/) - [Haynes 214 & 230](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/haynes-214-haynes-230-electropolishing/) - [Molybdenum](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/molybdenum-electropolishing/) - [MP35N](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/mp35n-electropolishing/) - inner-col-2 - [Nickel](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/nickel/) - [Nitinol](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/nitinol/) - [Niobium](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/niobium-electropolishing/) - [Tantalum](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/tantalum-electropolishing/) - [Titanium](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/titanium/) - [Tungsten](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/tungsten-electropolishing/) - [TZM](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/tzm-electropolishing/) - [Exotic & Other Metal](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/unusual-stainless-steel/) - [Precipitating Hardening Grade Stainless Steel](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/precipitating-hardening-grade/) - Col-2 - TECHNICAL GUIDE: YOUR SOLUTION TO METAL SURFACE PROBLEMS - 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[Blog](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/) - RECENT POSTS - [How Electropolishing Eliminates Microburrs](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/how-electropolishing-eliminates-microburrs) - [Electropolishing for Refractory Metals](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/improve-the-finish-fit-function-of-refractory-metal-parts-able) - [How Electropolishing Delivers a Defect-Free Surface Finish and Added Longevity for Hard-Working Springs](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/how-electropolishing-delivers-a-defect-free-surface-finish-and-added-longevity-for-hard-working-springs) - Col-2 - Technical Guide: Your Solution to Metal Surface Problems - ![](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solution-guide.png?width=600&name=solution-guide.png) - [Download](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/solutions-for-metal-surface-problems) - Col-3 - Technical Guide: Passivation, Pickling or Electropolishing? - ![](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ppe-guide-menu_v2.png) - [Download](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/passivation-pickling-or-electropolishing-guide?__hstc=51647990.0a919fe92be7e1034b7c346e0750ab88.1680609944771.1681452951062.1681460305179.8&__hssc=51647990.1.1681460305179&__hsfp=2175177973) - [Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - [Featured Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - [Before & After Electropolishing Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/before-and-after-electropolishing-videos/) - [Learning Center](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/) - Col-1 - [Electropolishing 101 Webinar](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/en/webinar) - [Case Studies](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/electropolishing-case-studies/) - [White Papers](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/white-papers/) - [Electropolishing for Metal Fasteners](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/metal-fasteners-whitepaper) - [Electropolishing to Improve Corrosion Protection](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/electropolishing-to-improve-corrosion-protection) - [Advantages of Electropolishing for Deburring Metal Parts](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/deburring-whitepaper) - [Electropolishing & Passivation Standards](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/electropolishing-passivation-standards/) - [AMS 2700 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/ams-2700-passivation/) - [ASTM A380 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-a380-passivation/) - [ASTM A967 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-a967-passivation/) - [ASTM F86 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-f86-passivation/) - [ASTM F86 Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-f86-electropolishing/) - [ASTM B912 Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-b912-electropolishing/) - [ISO 15730 Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/iso-15730-electropolishing/) - [FAQ](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Passivation vs. Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/passivation-vs-electropolishing/) - [Passivation, Pickling or Electropolishing](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/passivation-pickling-or-electropolishing-guide) - Col-2 - [Electropolishing Before & Afters](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Industry Technical Guides](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/technical-guides/) - [Electropolishing for the Medical Industry](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/electropolishing-medical-industry) - [Electropolishing for the Aerospace Industry](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/electropolishing-aerospace-industry) - [Electropolishing for the Food Industry](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/finishing-food-industry) - [Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - [Featured Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - 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November 8, 2022 *Passivation is a widely used chemical finishing process to remove contaminants and improve the corrosion resistance of metal parts, including stainless steel and alloys like Nitinol and titanium. While passivation can be effective for many parts, for certain parts and applications, other methods may provide superior results. ![metal-tools](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/metal-tools.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=metal-tools.jpg)* Passivation is a chemical process for cleaning the surface of stainless steel and various alloys. It is typically performed to remove the ferrous contaminants left behind by stamping, turning, grinding, cutting and other machining operations. It has the added benefit of leaving parts with improved corrosion resistance.. Here is an overview of the process and the benefits it can provide. ## **The Passivation Process**   ![passivation-chart-able](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/passivation-chart-able.png?width=579&height=328&name=passivation-chart-able.png) During [passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/passivation-vs-electropolishing/), stainless steel parts are placed into a basket and submerged into a nitric or citric acid bath. A more aggressive alternative, nitric can often achieve more effective results. As a more environmentally friendly process with a reduced risk of flash attack, however, citric acid is often specified.   Depending on the alloy being passivated, the acid concentration, temperature and time are adjusted to remove free iron and other contaminants on the part’s surface. This chemical treatment, while limited in its compatibility with metal alloys, protects metal parts by creating a chromium rich, passive surface layer that leaves parts with improved resistance to corrosion. At Able Electropolishing, our passivation processes are certified in accordance with ASTM A967, AMS 2700, ASTM A380, and ASTM F86. ## **Drawbacks of Passivation** While passivation can be an effective option for some applications, it does not improve the surface finish of metal parts. Passivation does not remove scale, or discoloration in the heat-affected zone for welded or brazed components. Castings are often difficult to passivate because they are porous and entrap acid. If the design includes crevices, rolled lips, and other potential sites for entrapment of acid, rinsing can also be problematic for some passivated parts. Some intricate or delicate parts may not be appropriate for bulk processing and may require racking or placement in carriers. While passivated parts undergo surface cleansing, passivation does not remove surface material. ## **Electropolishing: A Superior Alternative** [Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/services/electropolishing/) is often a more effective alternative to passivation – with the added benefit of leaving parts passivated in the process. By removing the outer skin of the metal surface, electropolishing removes embedded contaminants and microdefects that can become initiation sites for corrosion. As a result, electropolishing leaves parts with 30 times more corrosion resistance than passivation alone. Electropolishing combines a chemical bath with an electric current that precisely removes a uniform layer of surface material from the part, eliminating contaminants, microcracks, microburrs, jagged edges and more. Electropolishing can eliminate the need for additional metal finishing processes like hand deburring, tumbling, blasting and other mechanical processes. Able Electropolishing is certified under ASTM B912 standards which incorporate the requirements for passivation as well. In addition, Able’s Electropolishing processes include proprietary chemical formulations, customized tooling and robotic automation for unmatched precision and consistency, no matter the size, shape, or intricacy of the part. Other benefits of Able Electropolishing processes include: - [Microfinish (Ra) Improvement of up to 50%](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/benefits-of-electropolishing/microfinishing/) - [Material removal with microscopic precision](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/material-removal-control/) - Proprietary tooling for highest quality results - Industry leading prototyping process ## **An Electropolishing & Metal Finishing Industry Pioneer** Whether you need electropolishing, passivation or metal finishing expertise to help you determine how to achieve the best results for your part, Able Electropolishing can provide you with the knowledge, prototyping, precision and reliable results you need. As an industry pioneer, we have honed our processes over six decades of innovation and collaboration with engineers in industries where there is no room for error. Reach out to a member of our team to learn why we are the partner of choice for so many of them. You can also schedule a complimentary [technical review session](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/is-electropolishing-right-for-your-parts) to determine the right metal finishing method for your part. 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Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "What Can and Can’t Be Passivated? | Able Electropolishing", "articleBody" : "Passivation is a widely used chemical finishing process to remove contaminants and improve the corrosion resistance of metal parts, including stainless steel and alloys like Nitinol and titanium. While passivation can be effective for many parts, for certain parts and applications, other methods may provide superior results. Passivation is a chemical process for cleaning the surface of stainless steel and various alloys. It is typically performed to remove the ferrous contaminants left behind by stamping, turning, grinding, cutting and other machining operations. It has the added benefit of leaving parts with improved corrosion resistance.. Here is an overview of the process and the benefits it can provide. The Passivation Process During passivation, stainless steel parts are placed into a basket and submerged into a nitric or citric acid bath. A more aggressive alternative, nitric can often achieve more effective results. As a more environmentally friendly process with a reduced risk of flash attack, however, citric acid is often specified. Depending on the alloy being passivated, the acid concentration, temperature and time are adjusted to remove free iron and other contaminants on the part’s surface. This chemical treatment, while limited in its compatibility with metal alloys, protects metal parts by creating a chromium rich, passive surface layer that leaves parts with improved resistance to corrosion. At Able Electropolishing, our passivation processes are certified in accordance with ASTM A967, AMS 2700, ASTM A380, and ASTM F86. Drawbacks of Passivation While passivation can be an effective option for some applications, it does not improve the surface finish of metal parts. Passivation does not remove scale, or discoloration in the heat-affected zone for welded or brazed components. Castings are often difficult to passivate because they are porous and entrap acid. If the design includes crevices, rolled lips, and other potential sites for entrapment of acid, rinsing can also be problematic for some passivated parts. Some intricate or delicate parts may not be appropriate for bulk processing and may require racking or placement in carriers. While passivated parts undergo surface cleansing, passivation does not remove surface material. Electropolishing: A Superior Alternative Electropolishing is often a more effective alternative to passivation – with the added benefit of leaving parts passivated in the process. By removing the outer skin of the metal surface, electropolishing removes embedded contaminants and microdefects that can become initiation sites for corrosion. As a result, electropolishing leaves parts with 30 times more corrosion resistance than passivation alone. Electropolishing combines a chemical bath with an electric current that precisely removes a uniform layer of surface material from the part, eliminating contaminants, microcracks, microburrs, jagged edges and more. Electropolishing can eliminate the need for additional metal finishing processes like hand deburring, tumbling, blasting and other mechanical processes. Able Electropolishing is certified under ASTM B912 standards which incorporate the requirements for passivation as well. In addition, Able’s Electropolishing processes include proprietary chemical formulations, customized tooling and robotic automation for unmatched precision and consistency, no matter the size, shape, or intricacy of the part. Other benefits of Able Electropolishing processes include: Microfinish (Ra) Improvement of up to 50% Material removal with microscopic precision Proprietary tooling for highest quality results Industry leading prototyping process An Electropolishing & Metal Finishing Industry Pioneer Whether you need electropolishing, passivation or metal finishing expertise to help you determine how to achieve the best results for your part, Able Electropolishing can provide you with the knowledge, prototyping, precision and reliable results you need. As an industry pioneer, we have honed our processes over six decades of innovation and collaboration with engineers in industries where there is no room for error. Reach out to a member of our team to learn why we are the partner of choice for so many of them. You can also schedule a complimentary technical review session to determine the right metal finishing method for your part.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Able Electropolishing" }, "dateCreated" : "2022-11-08 19:03:49", "datePublished" : "2022-11-08 19:03:49", "description" : "Learn how Able Electropolishing can provide you with the knowledge, prototyping, precision and reliable results you need", "headline" : "What Can and Can’t Be Passivated?", "image" : "https://500185.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/500185/metal-tools.jpg", "url" : "https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/what-can-and-cant-be-passivated-able-electropolishing", "wordcount" : "640" } ```