Get the next steps for your coating project
Tell us where you are in the specification process, and we will point you to the right documents, standards, and contacts.
Find the technical documents, process guidelines, and contact points you need to move a coating project forward. Whether you are confirming an anodizing standard or checking how to submit a sample for evaluation, this page points you to the right next step.
Specifying a metallic finish for aerospace parts raises practical questions about process, tolerances, and documentation. Below are the points we hear most often from engineers and procurement teams before they place an order.
Anodizing grows an oxide layer from the aluminum itself, so it cannot peel or chip like a painted film. Metallic paint sits on top of the substrate and is chosen when you need a specific color like champagne gold on a non-aluminum base or when the part geometry makes anodizing impractical. We run both lines, so the choice depends on the substrate, the wear requirement, and the target color.
Our anodizing line follows MIL-A-8625 Type II and Type III, and our metallic finishes are tested against adhesion and salt-spray criteria commonly referenced in AMS and customer-specific specs. For each batch we issue a certificate of conformance with thickness readings and test results. If your part requires a particular OEM standard, send us the drawing and we will confirm compatibility before quoting.
Yes, but it requires controlled dye concentration, consistent alloy composition, and the same sealing time. We keep a reference panel for each approved color and measure every production run against it with a spectrophotometer. If you supply a physical sample, we will create a matching standard and store it in our lab for future orders.
For a standard champagne gold or silver anodize, we can run a single prototype part. For a custom color match, we ask for a minimum of 20 square meters of surface area to justify the dye bath setup and the reference panel creation. This keeps the cost per part reasonable and ensures the shade stays consistent for your production run.
We use laser-cut silicone masks and high-temperature tape for areas that must stay uncoated, such as mating surfaces or threaded holes. Each mask is verified against the part drawing before the line runs. For complex geometries, we can also machine a dedicated fixture to hold the part and protect critical dimensions.
Every batch ships with a certificate of conformance, a thickness report, and photos of the finished parts. If your quality team requires first-article inspection reports or material certifications for the raw aluminum, we can include those as well. Digital copies are available through our portal within 24 hours of dispatch.
Before you specify a finish or request a quote, review the terms below. These notes remove ambiguity around coating classes, surface preparation, and acceptance criteria so that both sides work from the same baseline.
Tell us where you are in the specification process, and we will point you to the right documents, standards, and contacts.