Our Cerakote Ceramic Coating Process
Every component moves through surface preparation, precision
application, and controlled curing, each step documented under AS9100
and ISO 9001 protocols.
Three Stages of Aerospace-Grade Ceramic Coating
Each stage is controlled, measured, and documented to deliver repeatable Cerakote performance across production volumes.
Surface preparation sets the foundation
Parts are solvent-cleaned, degreased, and media blasted to
create the optimal surface profile for coating adhesion. Critical
dimensions, threads, and mating surfaces are precision-masked to preserve
tolerances.
Cerakote goes on
Cerakote ceramic coating is applied via calibrated HVLP spray
at 0.5-2 mils thickness. In-process DFT gauges verify uniform coverage.
Advanced Applicator-certified technicians maintain Delta E ≤1 color
consistency across every run.
Heat bonds the finish
Coated parts cure at 250-300F in temperature-monitored ovens.
The prescribed cure schedule bonds the ceramic-polymer matrix to the
substrate, producing 9H pencil hardness and 4,000+ hours of ASTM B117 salt
spray resistance.
How the Cerakote Application Process Works
ColoradoKote applies Cerakote as a thin-film ceramic-polymer composite that delivers corrosion, abrasion, and chemical resistance without altering part dimensions. At 0.5-2 mils, Cerakote preserves tight tolerances that
powder coating (3-5 mils) and plating cannot match. Every coating job runs through dedicated Cerakote equipment, operated by NIC Advanced Certified Applicators, and tracked under our AS9100 quality system from intake to
shipment.
Measurable Performance from a Controlled Process
Every metric below is verified through standardized testing and
documented in your Certificate of Conformance.
First-pass quality rate
Components meet coating thickness, adhesion, and color specifications on the first application without rework or recoating.
Annual aerospace components
Annual throughput across military and commercial aerospace programs, including a multi-year production run.
Standard turnaround time
Standard turnaround from receipt of parts. Expedited 24-hour service available for AOG and mission-critical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Standalone ultrasonic cleaning turnaround is typically 3-5 business days from receipt of parts. Cycle time per batch is 10-30 minutes depending on contamination severity, but turnaround includes intake, pre-assessment, cleaning, verification, and documentation. For parts proceeding to coating, cleaning is integrated into the coating schedule and does not add separate lead time. Contact us at 970.541.7331 for current scheduling availability.
We use a multi-method verification approach. Water-break testing confirms DI water sheets uniformly across surfaces with zero beading, verifying the absence of oils and films. White-glove inspection checks for particulate transfer. For critical aerospace applications, dyne pen testing measures surface energy against your specified threshold. Rinse water conductivity is verified below 10 microsiemens per centimeter. Parts that fail any verification step are re-cleaned before release.
Yes. While ultrasonic cleaning is frequently performed as surface preparation before coating application, we also provide it as a standalone precision cleaning service. Standalone cleaning orders receive the same AS9100 process controls, documentation, and verification as cleaning performed before coating. Parts are returned clean with a Certificate of Conformance documenting all cleaning parameters and verification results.
Ultrasonic cavitation removes machining fluids, cutting oils, coolant residue, fingerprint oils, mold release agents, flux residue, carbon deposits, embedded particulates, and additive manufacturing support material. The cavitation action reaches contaminants in blind holes, internal passages, threads, and lattice structures that manual cleaning and spray methods cannot access. Solution chemistry is selected based on the specific contamination type and substrate material.
No. Ultrasonic cavitation is a non-contact cleaning method that does not mechanically abrade or distort parts. Cleaning solution chemistry is matched to the substrate material to prevent chemical attack. Alkaline solutions are used for aluminum, neutral formulations prevent hydrogen embrittlement on titanium, and polymer-safe solutions protect additive manufacturing parts. We have cleaned parts with wall thicknesses under 0.5mm without damage or dimensional change.
Start Your Cerakote Project
Submit your project details and receive a quote within 24 business
hours, including technical approach, pricing, and lead time.