What is passivation?
We are happy to explain to you what passivation is and what the possibilities are of Mifa Surface treatment to improve your products. If you need more information, please feel free to contact one of our employees. They will be happy to advise you.
Aluminum is a base metal that spontaneously oxidizes in contact with oxygen (and moisture) from the air. In the process, the aluminum is covered with an oxide skin of aluminum oxide. This natural oxide layer can protect the underlying aluminum against corrosion to a limited extent under stress-free conditions.
However, the natural oxide layer is thin and vulnerable. Damages in the natural oxide layer reduce the corrosion resistance, because there is no completely closed oxide layer on the metal. Therefore, if no or incomplete passivation takes place, the aluminum is insufficiently protected against corrosion. Through the passivation process a protective layer (chromate or conversion layer) is formed, which forms a bond with the aluminum.
Why passivation
By making the surface of a workpiece passive, no deterioration (corrosion) takes place. The conversion layer formed is also an excellent basis for the application of various lacquers. This layer is electrically conductive with a constant resistance.
In short:
- Improve corrosion resistance
- Basis for (wet) coating systems
- Constant resistance for electrical conductivity
Would you like to passivate your products? Feel free to contact our staff. They will be happy to tell you what is possible at Mifa Surface Treatment.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of passivation?
Passivation is a chemical process and can be applied by dipping or spraying. Therefore, the process is contactless and the workpiece can in many cases be treated in baskets, which offers price advantages. The layer complies with various standards and is, for example, also released for the aircraft industry. The mechanical loading capacity of this layer is very limited and the layer is not self-healing. So, treated products should be packaged with care.
What possibilities / processes do we offer with passivation
- Surtec 650 is a chromium VI-free passivation; the active ingredient is chromium III and RoHS compliant. Through additional steps in the – for this process very important – pre-treatment, treatment of virtually all alloys is possible; this applies to both wrought and cast alloys.
- Alodine 1200 / 1500 are processes based on Chromium VI and do not meet the RoHS standard. We offer this treatment through an external partner.
Would you like more information? Then contact us here. We are happy to help.
