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. The combination of 3,000 hours salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) and 4,000 abrasion cycles per mil (ASTM D4060) makes Cerakote effective on shaft couplings, through-hull fittings, steering components, and trim tab hardware. Elite Series with its ~0.11 coefficient of friction adds dry lubrication to moving parts in wet environments. V-Series handles exhaust risers and manifolds at temperatures up to 2,000 degrees F.
Standard turnaround is 14 business days from receiving approved parts. We offer 7-day and 3-day expedited options for vessel maintenance windows and production deadlines. For marine OEMs with recurring production needs, we can establish scheduled processing slots to align with your manufacturing calendar. Contact us with part details and timeline for a custom quote.
Standard turnaround is 14 business days from receiving approved parts and specifications. We offer 7-day and 3-day expedited options for urgent program needs. Our AS9100 production scheduling system and dedicated coating lines let us accommodate surge requirements without compromising quality controls. Contact us with your program timeline for a detailed production schedule.
Yes. Fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and soil amendments contain aggressive compounds that penetrate raw AM surface porosity and attack the substrate from within. Cerakote seals this porosity and provides a continuous chemical barrier that raw PA12, PA11, and metal AM surfaces cannot achieve. For AM components on sprayer systems, chemical application equipment, and seed treatment machinery, the sealed Cerakote finish is the difference between a part that survives one season and one that lasts years.
Yes. Hydraulic fittings on agricultural equipment face external chemical exposure from fertilizers and herbicides while enduring vibration and pressure cycling during field operation. Polymer coating provides flexible corrosion protection that survives these combined stresses. The coating also resists hydraulic fluid contact on external surfaces, preventing the corrosion and pitting that leads to fitting failures and costly hydraulic leaks during critical planting and harvest operations when equipment downtime is most expensive.
Get Corrosion Protection That Lasts
Send us your parts list, material specifications, and environmental exposure conditions. We respond within 24 hours.