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Removing of oxide layer on the SS316L surface

Hi,

I want to remove the oxide layer formed on the SS316L or at lest to reduce it. Any suggestion will be much appreciated. Thanks a lot.

Fatiha El Feninat
bioengineering and biotechnology - Quebec City, CANADA

How large or heavy is the part?

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania

The way to overcome the passive chromium oxide layer on stainless steel is an electrolytic process. The Wood's nickel strike is used to overcome the passivity of stainless steels to allow plating look in the Metal Finishing Guidebook links associated with surface preparation and you will find the formula for "Woods nickel strike". Basically it consists of nickel chloride, and hydrochloric acid, pure nickel anodes are used (the process is cathodic). I have also heard that anodic treatment in citric acid [on eBay or Amazon] only, will also destroy passivity, but only for a short period of time until the chromium oxide re-heals.

Good luck!

Jeff Swayze
- Kelowna, B.C., Canada

A quick acid dip followed by a thorough rinse will remove light brown iron oxides, as might be formed in a air bake of 3xx Stainless. Heavily oxidized surfaces, or baked-on stains may require mechanical polishing.

Dale Woika
- Bellefonte, PA, US

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