ColoradoKote

Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.

Method

Three Stages of Polymer Coating

The same AS9100 quality system governs polymer coating operations, from surface preparation through final inspection.

Preparation
Substrate-Matched Surface Preparation

Surface cleaning and profiling are matched to the base material. Metal substrates receive blast profiling for mechanical adhesion. Polymer and composite substrates receive chemical surface activation. All preparation is documented under AS9100 protocols.

Cerakote spray application wide angle at ColoradoKote
Application
Controlled Film Build

Polymer coating is applied via calibrated spray equipment in controlled layers. Film thickness is verified at each stage to achieve the specified build. Air-cure formulations eliminate the need for oven curing, accommodating oversized and heat-sensitive components.

Technician in sandblasting booth at ColoradoKote
Inspection
Performance Verification

Post-application inspection verifies film thickness, adhesion, visual appearance, and surface uniformity. Adhesion testing confirms bond integrity on the specific substrate. Full documentation accompanies every shipment with measured results.

Ultrasonic cleaning tank at ColoradoKote
Multi-part Cerakote coating setup at ColoradoKote
Polymer coating process icon

The Polymer Coating Process

Polymer coatings form a continuous, flexible film that absorbs substrate movement without cracking or delamination. ColoradoKote applies polymer coatings under the same AS9100 quality system that governs ceramic operations, delivering documented quality for gaskets, seals, sliding interfaces, and chemically exposed surfaces.

Results

What Our Polymer Coating Delivers

Polymer coatings solve problems that rigid ceramic coatings cannot address. Each result is verified through standardized testing.

Full
Chemical Resistance Rating

Polymer coatings withstand acids, alkalis, solvents, and fuels that attack unprotected substrates. The continuous film prevents chemical penetration to the base material, extending service life in harsh chemical environments.

Before and after Cerakote coating comparison
Low
Coefficient of Friction

Polymer coatings provide lubricious surfaces that reduce wear on sliding interfaces. The low friction coefficient minimizes heat generation and mechanical stress on dynamic components requiring smooth, consistent operation.

Flex
Substrate Conformability

Polymer films conform to substrate movement, vibration, and thermal cycling without adhesion loss or cracking. This flexibility makes polymer the correct choice for gaskets, seals, and components subject to repeated dynamic stress.

Cerakote thickness measurement at ColoradoKote

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities

What documentation does ColoradoKote provide for defense procurement?

Every defense order ships with a Certificate of Conformance documenting material batch numbers, application parameters, cure temperatures, and all inspection measurements. First Article Inspection (FAI) reports per AS9102 are generated when required by your purchase order. All documentation is maintained under our AS9100 and ITAR-compliant quality system, with records retained per defense contract requirements.

What AM technologies does ColoradoKote coat?

We coat parts from all major polymer and metal additive manufacturing processes. Polymer AM includes SLS (PA12, PA11), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), and FDM/FFF when surface quality permits. Metal AM substrates include Ti-6Al-4V, AlSi10Mg, 316L stainless steel, Inconel, and maraging steel produced by DMLS, SLM, or EBM. Current capacity is 200 AM parts per week with standard 14-day turnaround and 3- or 7-day expedited options available.

What substrates can ColoradoKote coat?

We coat steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper alloys, magnesium, and polymer substrates including 3D-printed materials. Each substrate receives appropriate preparation: sandblasting for mechanical adhesion, chemical conversion for aluminum, passivation for stainless steel. Our multi-substrate capability means one vendor handles your complete parts list, even when your assembly includes multiple material types requiring different preparation processes.

Does ColoradoKote coat 3D-printed parts?

Yes. ColoradoKote specializes in additive manufacturing post-processing for SLS nylon, MJF polymer, and metal AM parts including DMLS stainless steel and titanium. Our surface preparation protocols address the inherent roughness of AM parts, transforming layer lines and powder texture into smooth, production-grade finishes. We work with prototyping houses and production AM facilities across aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors.

Can AM post-processing reduce costs for custom agricultural replacement parts?

Yes. Custom agricultural components, replacement parts for discontinued equipment, and low-volume specialty attachments face prohibitive tooling costs through conventional manufacturing. AM eliminates tooling while ColoradoKote's post-processing delivers production-grade surface quality and protection. The combined cost is often 40-60% less than conventional manufacturing for quantities under 100 units. Our 200 parts per week capacity and 14-day standard turnaround support both urgent replacement needs and planned seasonal production runs.

Ready for Polymer Coating

Describe your application requirements including substrate material, operating environment, and performance needs. Receive a recommendation with the appropriate polymer formulation.