Metal Passivation & Anodizing Services

Metal passivation and anodizing services provide stainless steel and aluminum parts with a thicker, more uniform metal oxide "shell." Passivation is commonly used on stainless steel. Anodizing (or Chromate conversion) is used on specific aluminum alloys that tend not to form a consistent oxide layer due to their metallurgical makeup.

Passivation metal services from Petersen Precision remove free iron and other ferrous contaminants from the surface of stainless steel parts, offering enhanced corrosion protection while freeing iron molecules that may be embedded in surfaces that can lead to rusting or "rouging."

Stainless Steel & Aluminum Metal Passivation Services

Petersen Precision can provide passivation or Anodizing subcontracted services for stainless steel and aluminum parts used in highly corrosive industries and environments. We do some citrus-based passivation in-house but work with a primary local vendor for most of our passivation processes. We can also use your directed third-party passivation or Anodizing vendor as needed.

Based on the grade of stainless steel or the aluminum alloy from which your parts are fabricated and the final application in which the parts will be used, our vendors will alter the passivation or Anodizing processes to impart the required level of corrosion protection.

Passivation vs. Anodizing

Passivation and anodization services for stainless steel and aluminum materials are designed to protect the metal substrates from rust and corrosion. Some differences that separate metal passivation and anodizing processes are outlined below.

What is Metal Passivation?

Passivation is a chemical or electrochemical process generally associated with steel. It uses nitric or citric acid to remove free iron from the surface. The chemical treatment leads to a protective oxide layer or passivation film that is less likely to chemically react with air and cause corrosion.

What is Metal Anodization?

Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts, mostly aluminum. The process is called anodizing because the treated parts form the anode electrode of an electrolytic cell. The anodizing process converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish.

Anodizing & Metal Passivation Service Material Options

Passivation and anodization are generally used to enhance and protect the following material types:

Contact Petersen Precision for Metal Passivation & Anodization Services Today

With complete fabrication capabilities, passivation services, and more, Petersen Precision is your trusted source for precision metal parts manufacturing services. Request a quote today or contact us to discuss your unique project requirements.