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Passivation Testing

2003

We have passivated SS-316L parts based on the SAE format -AMSQQP35 [canceled, affil. link] (Type VI). For testing the passivation, it has been suggested SALT SPRAY TEST, COPPER SULFATE TEST, HUMIDITY TEST & Water immersion test. What type of Salt Spray test should we perform on this passivation and for what duration?

SHARAT FAQURUDHEEN
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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2003

Dear Mr Sharat,

You may suggest a neutral Salt Spray test for 48 hours, as per procedure specified in IS 9844 or ASTM B117 [affil. link] .

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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2003

You wrote:We have passivated SS-316L parts based on the SAE format AMSQQP35 (Type VI). For testing the passivation, it has been suggested SALT SPRAY TEST, COPPER SULFATE TEST, HUMIDITY TEST & Water immersion test. What type of Salt Spray test should we perform on this passivation and for what duration?

Par. 4.4.1 of AMSQQP35 specifies that either a water immersion test or a high humidity test be performed to verify effectiveness of passivate process. You must perform this test to be in compliance with the specification unless:

Procuring activity allows either a copper sulfate test per Par. 4.4.2.2 of AMSQQP35 or a salt spray test per Par. 4.4.2.1 of AMSQQP35. The copper sulfate test is the easiest to perform. When salt spray test is performed AMSQQP35 states that it shall be in accordance with ASTM B117 [affil. link] and performed for a minimum of 2 hours using a 5% salt solution.

Peter Cox, Quality Manager
- Seabrook, New Hampshire USA