The stainless steel is a composition of iron, carbon, chromium, among other elements that combine with a process and in different quantities, depending on the purpose of the material itself.
This process helps to create the valuable material known as stainless steel, which is known for its different properties, such as its resistance, durability and its most important characteristic, which is a superior resistance to oxidation.
Oxidation in metals is a way in which iron coexists with oxygen and generates a reaction unfavorable to the material. This weakens it, makes it vulnerable, causing negative effects on the functionality and stability of the parts.
In addition to becoming dangerous for humans, as its components are toxic to health and if they manage to enter the bloodstream, some diseases may appear.
Although stainless steel is resistant to oxidation, some processes such as rust incrustations or iron particles that coexist with the material, metal shavings or volatile deposits in the casting process of the materials or errors in the welding, scratches and others, affect the useful life of stainless steel.
When this happens, an oxidation process can start in the stainless steel, which although it is much slower than that of iron, happens from the inside and can cause, in the long term, problems in the stainless steel pieces.
But when this happens there are options to fix it and that's where passivation comes in. Next, we tell you more about this process, what it is and why it is an option for the maintenance of stainless steel.
What is the passivation of stainless steel?
When there is a damaged or oxidized surface, it begins to run through the rest of the piece. This damaged surface is treated with a combination of oxygen and chromium that creates a protective layer. This process is known as passivation.
It is like a type of "patch", to call it conventionally, that is placed in places where there may be an opening, a scratch or that at the time of welding the protective layers of the stainless steel oxidize more, helping to stop the oxidation process and not continue throughout the rest of the piece.
With the help of passivation, a chemically inactive surface is spontaneously generated that becomes inactive when in contact with air or other environmental elements and protects it from different metallic alloys that bring corrosion with them.
What is the importance of passivation?
Passivation supports the protection of stainless steel against oxidation, surface contaminations and prolongs the useful life of the material itself.
This helps to reduce costs, since it does not require a total change of the piece. In addition, it is very useful for pieces that have a specific function, such as in accessory metal pieces, in pieces that come into contact with water or in hinges or moving pieces.
Thanks to the noble material that is stainless steel, it is possible to perform thousands of applications, but a correct application and maintenance is important.
This will help the pieces of stainless steel to be much more durable and have a much longer life than conventional iron, however, passivation is a way to reduce costs, save time and solve problems that, at the moment, are not so serious, but that, without a doubt, can become serious problems in the long run.
If you want to know more about passivation or need a budget for the passivation of your pieces, do not hesitate to contact us or make a budget to create the stainless steel pieces and sheets you need.
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