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Artistic Plating to once again Exhibit at 2012 Medical Design and Manufacturing Show in Anaheim, CA – Artistic Plating will be exhibiting in booth 3083 at the upcoming 2012 MD&M West show in Anaheim, CA February 14th-16th 2012…. Tacti-Black Black Electroless Nickel High Purity Silver Heavy Build Copper
CERTIFICATIONS
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Passivation Services per ASTM A967 & QQ-P-35
Artistic offers a full range of passivation services including all methods listed within ASTM A967 and QQ-P-35. If needed, Artistic Plating can meet the requirements of any “custom” company specific nitric or citric acid passivation method. In addition, Artistic can also employ specialized passivation services such as the AAA process to passivate event he most difficult alloys including high-sulfur free machining 303 or 416 alloys as well as high chromium alloys such as 440 stainless (Reference AAA Passivation Methods article in our Metal Finishing White Papers section). Inhibited passivation solutions are available to maintain bright surfaces of stainless components such as machined faces and centerless ground shafts. Unfortunately very few part blueprints indicate the specific passivation method to be used. This opens the door for “brand-x” job shops to use any convenient method resulting in a Artistic’s Plating’s extensive experience in passivation services ensures that the correct passivation method will be selected to match the specific stainless steel grade. Artistic plating provides full in-house testing services to certify the performance of our passivation services including high humidity, salt spray per ASTM B117, potassium ferricyanide and copper sulfate. Passivation Services – What is Passivation of Stainless Steel?Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel (CRES) is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11% chromium content by weight. Many alloys of stainless steel include substantial nickel to further enhance the corrosion resistance. In general, stainless steel is broken down into three main groups based upon the alloying elements and compositions as follows: 1) Austenitic Grades (all 200 & 300-series), 2) Ferritic Grades (part of the 400-series, low carbon alloys) and 3) Martensitic Grades (part of the 400-series, higher carbon alloys). The reason for the stain-less nature of stainless steel is due to the formation of a thin, adherent and passive (read non-reactive) film of chromium oxide that prevents further surface corrosion of the stainless product. This is in stark contrast to iron oxide (red rust) that forms on plain carbon steel products which is a loose oxide that actually accelerates corrosion by forming additional iron oxide. It is important to note that stainless steel is just that – stain-less and not stain-proof. The degree of corrosion resistance of a stainless alloy is a function of the alloying composition, When stainless steel products are manufactured free-iron is generally transferred to the surface of the material from the cutting, stamping and forming tools used in the manufacturing process as well as mechanical graining (belting) operations. Free-iron can readily oxidize forming visible rust on the surface of the product objectionable to the end consumer. Passivation is a chemical treatment with a specific acid formulation that removes any free-iron or other contamination from the surface of the stainless steel while promoting the uniform formation of the passive chromium oxide layer. Passivation Services – Passivation Specifications The two most common passivation services certified by Artistic Plating are ASTM A967 and QQ-P-35. Artistic Plating also can certify our passivation services to ASTM A380, ASTM F86, AMS 2700C, ISO 16048 as well as most company-specific passivation specifications. A summary of passivation services per the common ASTM and MIL specs is as follows: Passivation Services to ASTM A967 Five nitric and citric methods are listed as follows: Nitric 1: 20-25 v% Nitric Acid, 2.5 w% Sodium Dichromate, 120-130F, 20 Mins minimum
Five testing methods to validate passivation services are provided as follows: A table of recommended nitric acid passivation services is provided in the appendix that correlate Nitric 1 through 5 methods to the specific stainless steel alloy grade. No such reference is provided in the specification for Citric 1 through 5 methods. Passivation Services to QQ-P-35 QQ-P-35 does not cover citric acid passivation services. Four active nitric acid passivation services are covered as follows (four inactive methods have been withdrawn): Type I – Withdrawn Four testing methods to validate passivation services are provided as follows: 4.4.1.1 – Water Immersion Test A table of recommended nitric acid passivation services is provided in the appendix that correlate Type II, VI, VII & VIII methods to the specific stainless steel alloy grade. Passivation Services – Why Artistic Plating? Artistic Plating provides expertise in passivation services to fulfill even the most demanding applications. From prototyping and PPAP qualification to full production processing – it is Artistic’s dedicated effort to exceed your expectations. The following points highlight why Artistic Plating is a leader in passivation services:
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