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PRECISION TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Millstone’s passivation system uses nitric acid to clean metal components, improving the surface condition and corrosion resistance of orthopedic implants.

Millstone Medical Outsourcing (Fall River, MA) has added a passivation system to its contract packaging division to clean orthopedic components before packaging. The nitric acid passivation system improves the surface condition and corrosion resistance of orthopedic devices and spinal implants that are made from stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt chrome.

The nitric acid system cleans metal components and creates a protective coating on products. “When [a] metal product arrives for sterile or nonsterile packaging, Millstone passivates the product prior to packaging, which reduces potential contamination from surface defects that might occur in transit or additional processing,” says James Gamache, the company’s program manager. “Millstone’s quality system is essentially wrapped around the back end of the manufacturing process, ensuring higher levels of quality compliance.”

The system also features continual flow rinse and a robotic arm for full automation. It can be used as a stand-alone service or with Millstone’s laser etching process.