ASTM A967 analysis laboratory
As a manufacturer, you want to carry out an ASTM A967 analysis of your stainless steels.
What is ASTM A967?
ASTM specification A967 specifies the requirements for chemical finishes on stainless steels. It covers several passivation methods designed to improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
What is passivation treatment?
Passivation treatment is a technique used to prevent corrosion on certain metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. Passivation is the process of removing impurities from the metal surface, such as iron particles, oils and greases, which can cause corrosion.
Passivation treatment can be carried out in a number of different ways. However, the most common process involves immersing the metal part in a solution of nitric or citric acid. This solution dissolves impurities from the metal surface and creates a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion.
Why have a laboratory validate a passivation treatment?
Passivation treatment is often used by the pharmaceutical industry, in medical applications and surgical implants, where corrosion can lead to health risks. It is also used in the petrochemical and shipbuilding industries to prevent corrosion of metal equipment and structures exposed to corrosive environments.
The FILAB laboratory can help you analyze your stainless steels to ASTM A967 standards.
Thanks to its dual skills in chemistry and materials, the FILAB laboratory has the expertise and analytical tools needed to validate passivation treatments on stainless steel and analyze the associated treatments.
FILAB can provide a range of services related to material passivation:
Studying passivation
Study of surface evolution over time
Salt spray test to assess part degradation time
Analysis of surface failures (corrosion, breakage, impurities, etc.)
Analysis according to ASTM A967/967M
Analysis of surface treatment baths
For this purpose, FILAB has a 2100m² analytical park equipped with state-of-the-art tools such as Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM-FEG EDX) for surface studies, and several AES or CI ICPs for bath composition analysis.
316L stainless steel is a versatile alloy widely used in many industrial sectors due to its excellent properties. Here are just some of the industrial sectors that use this alloy:
- The chemical industry, mainly because of its high resistance to corrosion.
- The pharmaceutical industry uses it to manufacture laboratory equipment or any other equipment useful for pharmaceutical production.
- The automotive industry uses it for the manufacture of engine parts, exhausts and components.
The properties of 316L steel make it suitable for a wide range of applications. What are they?
- High resistance to corrosion
- Resistance to acids and bases
- Resistance to fatigue and wear
- Biocompatibility, making it suitable for use in the manufacture of medical devices
