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info@aerospacemetalsllc.com

54 W. Industrial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366

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our Metak Fabrication

Laser Cutting .

Precision laser cutting for intricate patterns and tight tolerances in sheet metal.
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  • Quick Specifications

Lead Time

3-7 business days

Certifications

ISO 9001

Compatible Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Titanium

Industries

Aerospace, Medical, Electronics, Industrial Equipment, Automotive

About This Service

Laser Cutting

Fiber and CO2 laser cutting provides exceptional precision for cutting complex shapes in sheet metal with minimal heat-affected zones. The process delivers clean edges requiring little to no secondary finishing and maintains tight tolerances across large production runs.

Our network includes high-power fiber lasers capable of cutting thick materials with speed and precision. Laser cutting is ideal for prototypes through high-volume production.

  • Precision cutting
  • Complex shapes
  • Minimal HAZ
  • Clean edges
Our Process

How Laser Cutting Works.

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

File Preparation

Your DXF/DWG files are optimized for cutting. Nesting maximizes material utilization.

Material Setup

Material loaded, settings optimized for your specific material type and thickness.

Laser Cutting

High-precision fiber or CO2 laser cutting with minimal heat-affected zone.

Deburring

Edge finishing removes any minor burrs for clean, ready-to-use parts.

Quality Check

Dimensional verification against your specifications before packaging.

Industries Served

Laser Cutting Solutions Across Industries

Aerospace & Aviation

Industrial Equipment

Medical Services

Automotive

Electronics

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.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management (All Partners)

AS9100 Rev D

Aerospace Quality Management

Technical Specifications

Industry standards and material compatibility for Laser Cutting

Compatible Materials

Aluminum

Titanium

Brass

Stainless Steel

Steel

Copper

Available Processes

Fiber Laser

CO2 Laser

Tube Laser

Flat Sheet

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.
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