Passivation is always one-of the last steps... heat treat, clean, grind/machine, NDI, shot-peen, passivate, prime/paint/coat/etc [IF specified]. .
Shot-peening passivated surfaces will wipe-out the effects of the passivation for multiple reasons [causes].
Also, AMS2700 includes method 2 passivation, using citric acid. Unless not allowed for a specific alloy, this is a 'green' preferable process... other acids are downright dangerous and difficult to contain.
Regards, Wil Taylor
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