PASSIVATION
Passivation
At William Hughes, we specialise in precision passivation for stainless steel, using advanced chemical treatments and rigorous quality control to meet the highest industry standards, including AMS2700 and ASTM A967. Passivation is a chemical process used on corrosion resistant steels to remove free iron and surface contaminants without altering the material’s essential properties. This process restores the natural oxide layer, reducing the risk of corrosion and ensuring optimal functionality across a wide range of manufacturing applications.
Whether you require passivation for medical instruments, precision-engineered components or complex assemblies, William Hughes delivers results that meet stringent industry specifications.
Our Passivation Process
Our passivation process, which is Nadcap accredited and Honeywell Aerospace approved, involves a series of precise chemical treatments that eliminate contaminants from the stainless-steel surfaces. Our facility at Stalbridge incorporates a state-of-the-art automated passivation plant with novel functionality in that there is no manual ‘dunking’ of component baskets from station-to-station, as with traditional systems. Instead, the plant performs a fluid transfer which involves moving chemical solutions from holding tanks into the main processing unit as required, helping to prevent damage as the parts do not move. The entire process is automatic and PLC controlled. Typical treatments are nitric acid and rinse cycles. These are followed by a final rinse in deionised water before a drying cycle.
We offer three service levels: standard five-day, express three-day and super-express 24 hours (subject to any testing requirements).
Other Products and Services from William Hughes Ltd
PIANO STRINGS
A Heritage of Precision and Performance
William Hughes has been manufacturing piano strings for over two centuries, a legacy that reinforces the depth of our expertise in wire technology.
We continue to supply specialist string wire to instrument manufacturers and restorers who value not only the quality of the product but have the option to partner with a UK-based piano string manufacturer with expertise in the understanding of material, timbre and tone.
WILLIAM HUGHES BULGARIA
William Hughes Bulgaria supports a purpose-built 7000 square metre factory near Plovdiv which opened for business in 2004 as a centre for high volume production in a mainland Europe location.
In the beginning, the Bulgarian factory was simply involved with wire bending but as demand for its services has grown, so new machinery and processes have been installed. Massive changes inside the factory now include 35 CNC wire bending machines, seven vertical and two horizontal injection moulding machines and two nylon plastic coating lines along with MAG, MIG and spot welding. There are seven robotic welding cells complemented by an Electrophoretic black paint line and Deltatone Finishing.
DESIGN
William Hughes focuses on producing high-precision wire form and spring prototypes, offering industry-leading expertise to sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence and medical. Our in-house prototyping services help speed up development while achieving demanding standards for performance, accuracy and surface finish. With extensive knowledge in precision wire component design, we ensure every prototype meets strict load and tolerance specifications. Using advanced CNC machinery and robotic automation, we deliver dependable quality and repeatable consistency across all components.
Our design and application engineers enjoy state-of-the-art facilities for the in-house design of products and machine tools.
William Hughes Ltd
Station Road, Stalbridge, Dorset, DT10 2RZ, United Kingdom
For over 200 years, William Hughes has been at the forefront of the UK wire industry. Today, this successful business is supported by four key activities - the manufacture of bespoke compression, tension and torsion springs, wire forms and assemblies, printed circuit test points and terminals, and specialist wire sales. The company offers design, engineering and prototyping services and is Nadcap accredited for heat treatment and room temperature tensile testing. It also has a 4000 square metre factory in Bulgaria to meet the demand for product across Europe.