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Q&As since 1989


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Matte finish protective layer for surgical instruments

I need to touch up stainless steel surgical instruments where the matte finish protective layer has been damaged. Passivation or pickling might be what is necessary but need instructions to how to go about it. Thank You

Bob Munoz
Owner med. supplies - San Diego, Los Angeles, California
May 23, 2009

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Has the matte finish worn away? If so, you might consider having the matte restored with bead blasting, followed by deposition of a hard PVD coating to protect the finish. PVD coatings are very thin, and the final surface finish is generally identical except for color to the original. The color range is limited somewhat. TiN, the most common PVD hard coating on the market, is a dark gold; ZrN, light gold; TiCN, everywhere from magenta to light gray; and TiAlN is a slightly darker gray. There are a few companies that offer the coating on a toll basis in San Diego and LA.

Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover - San Diego,
California
May 27, 2009

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There is another method - electropolishing in our universal electrolyte at special regimes. It will take few minutes, create smooth matte finish and provide good corrosion protection. Any stainless steel can be polished, including high-carbon stainless steel, 400-series stainless steel. Contact us for more information.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

May 29, 2009