Passivation Machines

During TIG or MIG welding, the high temperature alters the surface chemistry of stainless steel, depleting the chromium content and leaving free iron on the surface. If left untreated, this free iron reacts with oxygen to form rust. Passivation chemically removes the free iron and contaminants, instantly helping to rebuild the protective, corrosion-resistant chromium oxide passive layer.

PX70 EDGE: A heavy-duty, German-made electrochemical machine designed primarily for fast weld cleaning and passivation of corners, edges, and flat surfaces. PX80 SMART: An advanced, German-made model that includes a
dedicated weld polishing mode in addition to cleaning and passivation. This allows operators to restore or match a high-luster, mirrored finish on polished stainless steel, and features a more advanced electronic control interface.

The PX Auto Feed Unit is an automated fluid dispensing accessory that connects to the PX series machines. It automatically pumps the cleaning/passivation fluid directly to the carbon fiber brush tip on demand. This removes the need for the operator to manually dip the brush into a fluid pot, increasing cleaning speed, minimising fluid waste, and ensuring a consistent flow of electrolyte.

Safety: Pickling paste contains highly toxic hydrofluoric and nitric acids, which pose severe health risks and require complex disposal. Electrochemical fluids are mild acids that are much safer for the operator and the environment. Speed: Electrochemical cleaning is instant. Pickling paste requires hours of contact time. Finish: Pickling paste can cause surface pitting and dull finishes, whereas electrochemical cleaning restores the surface without damaging the parent metal and can even polish it.

Yes, they are highly effective on both weld types. They are primarily optimised for TIG welds on stainless steel. While they can clean MIG welds, the heavier slag and thicker oxide scale of MIG welding may require more abrasive brushes and higher current settings to clean efficiently.

Operation requires three main consumables - Electrochemical Cleaning/Passivation Fluids: Phosphoric-acid-based electrolyte solutions that conduct current to clean the weld. Neutralising Fluids: Water-based alkaline sprays used to stop the acid reaction and prevent white residue spots. Carbon Fibre Brushes: Highly conductive brushes that deliver the electrical current to the weld surface.

The cleaning fluids used in passivation are acidic. If not neutralised, residual acid will remain on the steel, resulting in unsightly white salt deposits and potentially causing localised corrosion over time. Spraying a neutraliser immediately after cleaning halts the chemical reaction and allows the residue to be easily wiped or rinsed off.

Weld Cleaning: The removal of heat tint, discolouration, and oxide scales from the weld zone. Passivation: The chemical restoration of the chromium oxide layer to prevent corrosion. Weld Polishing: Electro-polishing the weld area to match the surrounding polished or mirror-finish parent metal, which is a key capability of the PX80 SMART.

These systems are specifically designed and optimised for stainless steel (grades 304, 316, duplex, etc.). They are not suitable for carbon steel. While some electrochemical machines can mark or clean other non-ferrous metals like copper or brass using specialised chemistries, they are primarily built for stainless steel applications.

Both the PX70 EDGE and PX80 SMART run on standard single-phase 230V AC power, making them easy to plug into standard workshop outlets or run on-site using standard portable generators.