our services

Professional Metal Finishing Services.

Anodizing, plating, coating, and specialty finishes coordinated through our network of certified facilities.

Complete Surface Finishing Solutions

Metal finishing transforms functional components into high-performance parts. The right finish provides corrosion resistance, wear protection, electrical properties, aesthetic appeal, or specialized characteristics your application demands.

Certified Quality

ISO 9001 & Nadcap facilities

Fast Turnaround

Average 2-week completion

Full Documentation

Certs & inspection reports

Expert Guidance

33 years experience
Anodizing Services

Anodizing for Aluminum

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the surface of aluminum into a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide layer. Unlike paint or plating, anodizing is part of the metal itself.

Type I - Chromic Acid Anodizing

Thin coating (0.00002" - 0.0001")

Type II - Sulfuric Acid Anodizing (Standard)

General-purpose coating (0.0001" - 0.001")

Type III - Hardcoat Anodizing

Heavy-duty coating (0.001" - 0.004")

Bright Dip Anodizing

Reflective, mirror-like finish
Plating Services

Electroplating Solutions.

Electroplating deposits a thin layer of metal onto a substrate to provide corrosion protection, improved wear resistance, electrical conductivity, or decorative appearance.

Cadmium Plating

Superior corrosion protection, aerospace/military standard, excellent sacrificial protection

Meets QQ-P-416, ASTM B766

Zinc & Zinc-Nickel Plating

Cost-effective corrosion resistance, RoHS-compliant alternative to cadmium

Meets ASTM B633, ISO 9587

Electroless Nickel Plating

Uniform coating on complex geometries, excellent wear and corrosion resistance

Meets MIL-C-26074, ASTM B733

Copper Plating

Excellent electrical conductivity, undercoat for other platings, heat dissipation

Tin & Silver Plating

Food-grade safe finishes, excellent solderability, electrical applications

Chrome Plating (Decorative & Hard)

Decorative mirror-like appearance or extreme wear resistance for industrial use

Coating Services

Protective & Decorative Coatings

From powder coating to e-coating and chemical film treatments, we coordinate all your coating needs through certified partner facilities with documented quality systems.

Powder Coating

Dry powder finish electrostatically applied and heat-cured for durable, attractive coating.

E-Coating (Electrocoating)

Electrodeposition of paint for uniform, corrosion-resistant finish on complex geometries.

Chemical Film (Alodine/Chromate)

Thin chemical conversion coating for aluminum providing corrosion resistance and paint adhesion.

Black Oxide

Chemical conversion coating for steel providing mild corrosion resistance and aesthetic black finish.

Ready to Order Materials? .

Request a material quote in 24 hours. Specify alloy, dimensions, quantity, and any processing needs.

FAQs

What is the difference between Type II and Type III anodizing?

Type II (sulfuric acid anodizing) is the standard commercial process used for corrosion resistance and aesthetics, producing a thinner coating. Type III (hardcoat anodizing), a specialty of Aerospace Metals, creates a much thicker (0.001"–0.004"), denser coating designed for extreme wear resistance and electrical insulation in industrial applications.

Can Aerospace Metals match specific colors for anodized parts?

Yes. We offer a wide range of standard colors including black, blue, red, gold, and clear. While anodizing is a chemical process susceptible to slight alloy variations, Aerospace Metals works closely with our partners to maintain strict lot-to-lot consistency. For branding, please provide a Pantone reference.

Do you offer Nadcap-accredited finishing services?

Absolutely. Aerospace Metals specializes in connecting clients with Nadcap-accredited facilities for aerospace and defense projects. When requesting a quote, simply specify that your project requires Nadcap certification, and we will route your job to a fully qualified partner in our network.

What is chem film (Alodine) and when should I use it?

Chemical film (Alodine/Chromate) is a conductive surface treatment for aluminum that provides corrosion protection. Aerospace Metals recommends it for parts requiring electrical grounding or as a primer base for paint, as it does not add significant thickness to the part dimensions.

Can Aerospace Metals plate parts that are already machined?

Yes, we frequently plate precision-machined components. Many customers utilize Aerospace Metals as a single-source solution for both machining and plating to ensure accountability. We account for the plating thickness in the final dimensions to ensure your finished part meets tolerance specifications.

What is the advantage of electroless nickel plating?

Electroless nickel plating deposits a uniform thickness of nickel-phosphorus alloy without using electrical current. Aerospace Metals recommends this for complex shapes, internal bores, and threads, as it ensures even coverage where traditional electroplating might be uneven.

How do you handle delicate or precision parts during finishing?

We understand that surface finish and dimensional integrity are critical. Aerospace Metals ensures that parts are processed using specialized racking and handling procedures to prevent contact damage. We can also implement custom masking plans to protect critical surfaces.

Do you offer passivation for stainless steel?

Yes. We supply materials meeting AMS and MIL-SPEC requirements with full traceability documentation. Materials sourced from approved mills with proper certifications for aerospace applications.
Ready to Experience the Aerospace Metals Difference?

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