Metal Finishing and Validation Testing

C-Axis PR FacilityC-Axis, Inc. utilizes metal finishing processes during the manufacturing of medical device components, below is a partial list of our capabilities.

  • Automated Passivation Line
  • Electropolish
  • Micro Bead Blasting and Aluminum Oxide Blasting
  • Vibratory Finishing
  • 24 Hour High Humidity Test
  • Copper Sulfate Test

Passivation to ASTM A967 & ASTM A380

According to ASTM A 380, passivation is “the removal of exogenous iron or iron compounds from the surface of a stainless steel by means of a chemical dissolution, most typically by a treatment with an acid solution that will remove the surface contamination but will not significantly affect the stainless steel itself.” In addition, it also describes passivation as “the chemical treatment of a stainless steel with a mild oxidant, such as a nitric acid solution, for the purpose of enhancing the spontaneous formation of the protective passive film.”

Electropolish

  • The purpose of electropolish is to provide desired surface texture, Mirror like finish, remove surface material, removal of light burrs and oxide removal.
  • Typical metal removal will be .0008 - .0010.
  • Electropolishing will not cause hydrogen embrittlement of the parts.

Micro Blasting

  • The purpose and advantages of micro balsting is an infinite number of different surface textures
  • Many different abrasives and beads are available.
  • Bead blasting will give a peaned cold worked finish
  • Part will be deburred after micro blasting

Vibratory Finishing

  • Purpose deburrs and adds surface finish.
  • Advantages many variations of vibratory media to meet even the complicated part.
  • Consistent surface finish.
  • Can be performed wet or dry depending on the media used.