Passivation of Stainless Steel

[david339933]

If I sandblast 316 SS will the protective oxide layer return on its own or should it always be passivated?

 

[jwhit]

It will return over time. Often, a bigger issue is "how clean is your blast media", it is very possible to embed free iron from the media if it is contaminated with iron. You will then end up with surface rust which has been known to cause panic with your customers. I would consider blasting as an initial cleaning method and follow with a pickle or passivate to ASTM E380 or ASTM A967. Do not reblast afterwards.

 

[CoryPad]

That should be ASTM A380, not E380.

 

[jwhit]

Thanks Cory, Fat fingers struck again!