Our expertise is based on our ability to precisely apply plated surface finishes to engineered standards. We are approved to apply passivation of stainless steel, chemical conversion coating (CCC), zinc nickel plating, etching for NDT, as well as anodizing (sulfuric anodizing and hard anodizing).
As leaders in our field, Aerospace Metal Finishing is constantly striving to innovate and accelerate our industry to new heights. Our mission is to follow a path of excellence, focused on becoming the employer and supplier of choice for our staff and customers respectively. Explore our services below, categorized below by the substrate they are applicable to. Or contact us to discuss our custom and unique capabilities for all of your metal surfacing needs.
Chromic Anodizing
- Creates a thin (<0.1 mil) oxide film on the aluminum surface, incorporate chromate compounds for a sacrificial and physical barrier to corrosion. Also increases paint adhesion.
Hard Anodizing (Boeing Spec)
- Creates a thick (~2.0 mil) oxide film on the aluminum surface, offering both a physical barrier to corrosion, and wear resistance. To be used in high-wear applications.
Hard Anodizing (Mil Spec)
- Creates a thick (~2.0 mil) oxide film on the aluminum surface, offering both a physical barrier to corrosion, and wear resistance. To be used in high-wear applications.
Sulfuric Anodizing (clear, black, gold)
- Creates an oxide film (0.1-0.3 mils) on the aluminum surface, offering a physical barrier to corrosion, and the possibility of impregnation with dyes for decorative purposes.
Chemical Conversion Coating
- Deposits a thin (<0.1 mil) layer of an amorphous aluminum/chromate compound, for a sacrificial and physical barrier to corrosion. Also increases paint adhesion. May be made thin enough to retain conductivity.
Etching for NDT
- Removes 0.1-0.2 mils of material from the surface to increase sensitivity to NDT.
Bright Cadmium Plating
- Deposits a layer of cadmium metal on the surface, to create a sacrificial barrier to corrosion, and to increase lubrication. Luster is increased compared to dull cad, with a tradeoff of increased chance of hydrogen embrittlement.
Dull Cadmium Plating
- Deposits a layer of cadmium metal on the surface, to create a sacrificial barrier to corrosion, and to increase lubrication. Decreased chance of hydrogen embrittlement compared to bright cad, with a tradeoff of decreased luster.
Zinc Nickel Plating
- Deposits an alloy of roughly 85% zinc and 15% nickel on the surface, as an environmentally friendly alternative to cadmium plating. Increased wear resistance and corrosion resistance compared to cadmium plating.
Electroless Nickel Plating (Hardened / Unhardened)
- Deposits a layer of amorphous nickel-phospate onto the surface of the metal. May be hardened up to 900 vickers. Offers excellent wear resistance for the substrate.
Stress Relief / Embrittlement Relief
- Stress relief eliminates internal stresses, for increased adhesion of plated material, and increased mechanical properties. Embrittlement relief removes hydrogen atoms absorbed into the substrate, to regenerate mechanical properties prior to plating.
Bright Cadmium Plating
- Deposits a layer of cadmium metal on the surface, to create a sacrificial barrier to corrosion, and to increase lubrication. Luster is increased compared to dull cad, with a tradeoff of increased chance of hydrogen embrittlement.
Dull Cadmium Plating
- Deposits a layer of cadmium metal on the surface, to create a sacrificial barrier to corrosion, and to increase lubrication. Decreased chance of hydrogen embrittlement compared to bright cad, with a tradeoff of decreased luster.
Zinc Nickel Plating
- Deposits an alloy of roughly 85% zinc and 15% nickel on the surface, as an environmentally friendly alternative to cadmium plating. Increased wear resistance and corrosion resistance compared to cadmium plating.
Electroless Nickel Plating (Hardened / Unhardened)
- Deposits a layer of amorphous nickel-phospate onto the surface of the metal. May be hardened up to 900 vickers. Offers excellent wear resistance for the substrate.
Passivation (Chromic, Non-Chromic)
- Dissolves loose iron on the surface, and develops an oxide film to increase corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.
Stress Relief / Embrittlement Relief
- Stress relief eliminates internal stresses, for increased adhesion of plated material, and increased mechanical properties. Embrittlement relief removes hydrogen atoms absorbed into the substrate, to regenerate mechanical properties prior to plating.
Etching for NDT
- Removes up to 0.3 mils of material from the surface to increase sensitivity to NDT
Bright Cadmium Plating
- Deposits a layer of cadmium metal on the surface, to create a sacrificial barrier to corrosion, and to increase lubrication. Luster is increased compared to dull cad.
Dull Cadmium Plating
- Deposits a layer of cadmium metal on the surface, to create a sacrificial barrier to corrosion, and to increase lubrication. Decreased chance of hydrogen embrittlement compared to bright cad, with a tradeoff of decreased luster. Embrittlement is only a risk for certain copper alloys, and is not a risk for others.
Zinc Nickel Plating
- Deposits an alloy of roughly 85% zinc and 15% nickel on the surface, as an environmentally friendly alternative to cadmium plating. Increased wear resistance and corrosion resistance compared to cadmium plating.
Embrittlement Relief
- Embrittlement relief removes hydrogen atoms absorbed into the substrate, to regenerate mechanical properties prior to plating. Is only applicable for some copper alloys and not all.
Grit Blast (Alumina, Silica, Plastic)
- Roughens the surface and removes oxides to increase adhesion of plating operations, and effectiveness of anodizing and passivation.
Part Masking
- Allows for selective processing of surfaces on a component. We offer over 35 years of experience in masking parts for processing.
HVLP Painting
- For application of a variety of paints, from aircraft-grade primers and topcoats, to cerakote for high-wear applications, and specialty paints.
Fluorescent / Liquid Penetrant Inspection (performed by Applus RTD)
- Florescent dye is used to identify cracks and crevasses that may appear during machining.
Magnetic Particle Inspection (performed by Applus RTD)
- Florescent dye is used to identify cracks and crevasses that may appear during machining.
Part Marking
- Completed to aerospace standards
Stress Relief / Embrittlement Relief (other materials, including plastics)
- In addition to stress relieve in metals, we also offer stress relieve for other materials like plastics.
