Corrosion Protection
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
What Happens When Corrosion Goes Unchecked
Unprotected metal components face relentless environmental attack. Moisture, salt spray, de-icing chemicals, hydraulic fluids, and temperature cycling break down surfaces over time. The damage is cumulative, and by the time it is visible, the part has already compromised system integrity.
The real cost of corrosion
- Part replacement: Failed components require emergency procurement, disrupting production schedules and triggering expedite fees that exceed the original part cost
- Downtime: Equipment pulled from service for inspection, repair, or replacement costs thousands per hour in aerospace and defense applications
- Safety risk: Corroded structural components compromise system integrity and can trigger mandatory grounding events or field recalls
- Audit failures: Non-conforming parts generate quality escapes, customer notifications, and costly corrective action investigations
These costs compound across production runs. A single unprotected batch can cascade into weeks of disruption, eroding customer confidence and threatening long-term contracts.
How Cerakote® Ceramic Coating Stops Corrosion at the Source
Cerakote® creates a molecular bond with the substrate, forming a barrier that resists corrosion at the chemical level. Unlike paint or plating that sits on the surface, Cerakote integrates with the metal.
Why Cerakote Outperforms Alternative Coatings
Anodizing provides 336-1,000 hours of salt spray resistance and works only on aluminum. Powder coating adds 4-6 mils of thickness, causing dimensional interference. Chrome plating faces increasing regulatory restriction. Cerakote delivers 3,000 hours across all metals, polymers, and composites at 0.5-2 mils, with zero hazardous waste.
Independent Competitor Comparison
In third-party ASTM B117 salt spray testing, Cerakote® achieved 3,000 hours of corrosion resistance. Competitor Xylan coating was pulled at 1,871 hours due to excessive corrosion.
The Numbers Behind Our Corrosion Protection
| Performance Metric | Result | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Spray Resistance | 3,000 hours | ASTM B117 |
| Pencil Hardness | 9H (maximum) | ASTM D3363 |
| Impact Strength | 160/160 in-lbs | ASTM D2794 |
| Taber Abrasion | 4,000 cycles/mil | ASTM D4060 |
| Coating Thickness | 0.5-2.0 mils | DFT Measurement |
| Flammability | Third-party tested per Cerakote lab reports | FAR 25.853 |
Industries That Depend on Corrosion Protection
Ceramic coating corrosion protection for components across these industries.
Weight Reduction for Oil and Gas Equipment
Thick coatings add mass to equipment transported to remote wellsites and offshore platforms. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils saves 200-400g per part versus powder coating. ISO 9001 certified.
Weight Reduction for Medical Device Components
Surgical instruments must be light enough for hours of precise use. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils saves 200-400g per part versus powder coating without compromising protection. ISO 9001 certified.
Weight Reduction for Maritime Equipment
Heavy coatings add mass to marine hardware that affects vessel performance and handling. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils saves 200-400g per part versus powder coating. ISO 9001 certified.
Weight Reduction for Industrial OEM Components
Thick coatings add unnecessary mass to engineered equipment. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils delivers 200-400g savings per part versus powder coating while preserving tolerances. ISO 9001 certified.
Weight Reduction for Defense and Tactical Equipment
Tactical systems carry weight penalties from thick coatings that reduce mobility and increase operator fatigue. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils saves 200-400g per part. ITAR registered, AS9100 certified.
Weight Reduction for Automotive R&D Prototypes
Every 100 lbs of EV mass costs 2-3 percent range. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils saves 200-400g per part versus powder coating, protecting prototypes without adding mass. ISO 9001 certified.
Weight Reduction for Agriculture Equipment
Heavy coatings add mass to field equipment that operators must handle and transport. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils saves 200-400g per part versus powder coating. ISO 9001 certified.
Weight Reduction for Aerospace Components
Thick coatings add avoidable weight to lightweighted airframe structures. Cerakote at 0.5-2 mils delivers 200-400g savings per part versus powder coating. AS9100-certified with full traceability.
How We Deliver Corrosion Protection
AS9100-certified Cerakote® application with documented verification.
High-velocity application
Atomized coating reaches every surface and crevice.
Complete submersion coating
Total coverage for complex geometries and internal passages.
Precision hand application
Controlled placement for selective protection on assemblies.
Charged particle deposition
Uniform thickness with minimal overspray and material waste.
Aerospace fasteners tested in the field
A military contractor needed corrosion resistance on landing gear fasteners exposed to salt spray and thermal cycling. ColoradoKote's ceramic coating passed 5,000+ hours of ASTM B117 testing with zero red rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Yes. We operate dedicated low-pressure blasting at 40-60 PSI specifically for thin-wall, delicate, and additive manufacturing substrates. Reduced pressure prevents warping, peening damage, and dimensional distortion while still creating adequate surface profile for coating adhesion. Media selection is adjusted alongside pressure to match the substrate. This capability is critical for AM parts, medical devices, and precision aerospace components where dimensional integrity is non-negotiable.
ColoradoKote is ITAR registered and coats weapons system components, electronics housings, vehicle-mounted hardware, and field-deployed equipment for defense programs. Our facility in Johnstown, CO maintains the security protocols and documentation controls required for controlled technical data. We offer low-visibility finishes in earth tones, flat blacks, and custom tactical colors matched to program specifications.
The Cerakote catalog offers 200+ colors with consistency held to Delta E 1.5, which is below the Delta E 2.0 threshold where the average person perceives a color difference. This means instruments color-coded by size, function, or tray assignment remain visually distinguishable even after years of sterilization and use. At 0.5-2 mils thickness, the coating does not alter instrument ergonomics or jaw geometry.
Yes. Medical instruments with articulating joints, flexible shafts, and spring mechanisms need coatings that move with the component without cracking. Polymer coating provides chemical resistance for autoclave sterilization and hospital disinfectants while maintaining flexibility through thousands of use cycles. For instruments requiring both flexibility and surface hardness on specific areas, we combine polymer coating on flex zones with Cerakote on rigid surfaces for optimized performance across the entire device.
Our standard turnaround is 14 days for chemical conversion coating, with 7-day and 3-day expedited options for vessel maintenance schedules and urgent builds. We understand that marine downtime is expensive, and our expedited processing helps get your aluminum components back into service faster. Over 20,000 parts processed with zero quality issues ensures your order ships right the first time.
Get Corrosion Protection That Lasts
Send us your parts list, material specifications, and environmental exposure conditions. We respond within 24 hours.