What is ASTM B912?

Who is ASTM?

ASTM International is the American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM International offers international access to completely transparent standards developed for a wide range of industries. ASTM International has over 12,500 global ASTM standards, in over 140 participating countries. ASTM International attracts and retains technical experts from around the world to enhance the technical quality of standards in a wide range of industries.

ASTM B912 Specification

Some of the key elements of the ASTM B912 standards for the chemical passivation of stainless steel through electropolishing include:

Pretreatment: Base materials and parts need to be free of visible defects and undergo a pre-cleaning process to remove machining oils and debris prior to the electropolishing process

Electropolishing Process: The electropolishing process involves the immersion of stainless steel parts into metal lined, temperature-controlled tanks. Each processing tank holds a solution of phosphoric and sulfuric acid, in prescribed ratios, which is then charged with a positive electrical current

Post-electropolishing Procedures: Procedures performed following the electropolishing process include post dips and final rinsing for cleanliness

Testing: The performance of parts after the electropolishing process can be analyzed through a variety of methodologies. One method is a copper sulfate test, which New England Electropolishing offers as an added service to its customers.

Why the ASTM B912 Standard Matters

Industry standards like ASTM B912, help to ensure repeatable and consistent results for stainless steel electropolishing. They also eliminate the need for custom or manufacturer-specific standards, which can be duplicative and expensive to develop. This is important for many types of industries, but is absolutely crucial in manufacturing sectors that rely on precision like the medical, aerospace, scientific, and semi-conductor industries.

New England Electropolishing adheres to all the processing requirements of ASTM A967 and ASTM B912, and undergoes periodic testing by an independent laboratory to validate the quality of our services. New England Electropolishing offers copper sulfate testing in our facility to certify our ASTM B912 process, or clients can use third party laboratories to administer alternative ASTM B912 testing options.

When choosing a metal finisher, manufacturers should confirm that their electropolisher follows ASTM standards, maintains rigorous quality safeguards, and has the proper third-party certifications in place at their facilities. When a supplier certifies to an ASTM standard, maintains full regulatory and ISO Compliance, and performs regular validations of its services, it confirms that company’s commitment to responsible operation and quality service. New England Electropolishing is such a supplier.