our Metal Fabrication

TIG Welding.

High-quality welds for critical applications requiring precision and excellent appearance.

Lead Time

5-10 business days

Certifications

AWS D17.1

Compatible Materials

Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Inconel, Carbon Steel, Copper Alloys

Industries

Aerospace, Medical, Food & Beverage, Energy, Defense

About This Service

TIG Welding

TIG (GTAW) welding produces the highest quality welds with excellent control over heat input and filler metal deposition. The process is essential for aerospace, medical, and food-grade applications where weld quality, appearance, and material integrity are critical.

Our certified welders hold qualifications for aerospace primes and meet AWS D17.1 and other demanding specifications. TIG welding is available for aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and exotic alloys.

Our Process

How TIG Welding Works.

Our streamlined process ensures quality results and on-time delivery for every project.

Weld Prep

Joint preparation, fit-up, and cleaning ensure optimal weld quality.

Procedure Review

Welding procedure specification (WPS) confirms parameters for your material and application.

TIG Welding

Certified welders execute precision TIG welds with controlled heat input.

Weld Inspection

Visual inspection, dye penetrant, or X-ray as specified for your application.

Post-Weld Finishing

Grinding, polishing, or passivation as required for final appearance.

Industries Served

TIG Welding Solutions Across Industries

Aerospace & Aviation

Food & Beverage

Medical Services

Energy

Defense

Quality & Certifications

Available Certifications Across Network

Quality isn't just about certifications—it's about consistent results. Every partner facility is personally vetted by Paul Fredericks.

AWS D17.1

AWS D1.1

ASME Section IX

Nadcap

ISO 9001

Technical Specifications

Industry standards and material compatibility for TIG Welding

Compatible Materials

Aluminum

Titanium

Inconel

Stainless Steel

Carbon Steel

Copper Alloys

Available Processes

Manual TIG

Orbital Welding

Pulse TIG

Hot Wire TIG

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about hardcoat anodizing services.

How long does hardcoat anodizing take?

Typical lead time is 10-14 business days from when parts arrive at the facility. The actual anodizing process takes 6-8 hours including pre-treatment, anodizing (45-90 minutes), sealing, and inspection. Expedited service available for critical aerospace/defense projects.

What aluminum alloys work best with hardcoat anodizing?

6061, 7075, 2024, and 5052 produce excellent results. 6061 is most common for general applications. 7075 achieves highest hardness. 2024 is standard for aerospace. Casting alloys (356, 380) produce softer, less uniform coatings due to silicon content.

How thick should the hardcoat be?

Depends on application. Light wear: 0.0008"-0.0015". Standard applications: 0.0015"-0.0025". Heavy wear: 0.0025"-0.004". Thicker isn't always better—excessive thickness increases brittleness and cracking risk, especially on edges and corners.

Will hardcoat anodizing change my part dimensions?

Yes. Coating grows approximately 50% inward and 50% outward. For 0.002" coating, expect +0.001" dimensional change per surface (+0.002" on diameter). Critical dimensions should be masked or designed with coating growth in mind. Threads typically masked or chased after anodizing.

Can hardcoat be applied to welded aluminum?

Yes, but with considerations. Weld areas may anodize differently (lighter color) than base material due to different alloy chemistry. Appearance will be non-uniform but functionality (wear, corrosion resistance) is maintained.

Does hardcoat anodizing meet aerospace specifications?

Yes. When performed to MIL-A-8625 Type III or AMS 2469, hardcoat anodizing meets aerospace requirements. Our Nadcap-accredited partners are qualified for aerospace critical applications and provide complete documentation including FAI when required.

Can I get colored hardcoat?

Yes. Black is most common for functional applications. Gray, gold, olive drab, and other colors available. Note: colors are darker/muted compared to Type II anodizing due to coating density and thickness. Natural (undyed) hardcoat is gray.

What is the wear resistance compared to hard chrome?

Hardcoat anodizing (60-70 HRC) is comparable to hard chrome plating (65-70 HRC) in terms of hardness. However, wear performance depends on specific application. Hardcoat excels for abrasion resistance; hard chrome excels for sliding wear.
Ready to Experience the Aerospace Metals Difference?

Partner with a team that brings 33 years of metal finishing expertise to every project

[contact-form-7 id="1948"]