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 ≤1.5 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 Cerakote® ceramic-polymer matrix to the substrate, producing 9H pencil hardness and 3,000+ 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. 7-day expedited and 3-day rush available for AOG and mission-critical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Hydraulic cylinder rods and housings on farm equipment face soil abrasion, moisture, and chemical exposure that cause conventional coatings to fail within a season. Cerakote's 9H hardness protects cylinder rod surfaces from scoring, while the 3,000-hour salt spray barrier prevents corrosion on housings exposed to moisture and fertilizer chemicals. The 0.5 to 2 mil film build preserves seal clearances and rod tolerances that thicker coatings would compromise.
We offer over 200 standard Cerakote colors spanning the full spectrum from flat tactical blacks to high-gloss automotive finishes. For proprietary colors, our custom color matching service can replicate Pantone references, RAL numbers, OEM paint codes, or physical samples to within Delta E 1.5. Multi-year production programs receive documented color standards that ensure consistency across reorders.
Cerakote delivers 3,000 hours salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) and 4,000 abrasion cycles per mil (ASTM D4060) on pump housings, impellers, valve bodies, and actuator components. The coating operates from -40 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F, covering the thermal range of most industrial process equipment. At 0.5-2 mils thickness, it preserves the clearances and sealing surfaces that thicker coatings would compromise on precision fluid-handling components.
Cerakote is fully cured at 250-300 degrees F (H-Series and Elite) during application, and the ceramic-polymer matrix is chemically stable after curing. Outgassing is minimal and can be characterized through testing per your specific cleanroom or vacuum requirements. For aerospace and medical applications with outgassing specifications, we recommend discussing your threshold values during the quoting process so we can provide relevant test data or arrange third-party testing.
Yes. Cerakote H-Series maintains color stability through repeated autoclave cycles at standard sterilization temperatures. Unlike paint and anodize color, which can fade or shift with repeated steam exposure, Cerakote's ceramic-polymer matrix resists the combination of heat, pressure, and moisture. This durability makes it suitable for color-coded surgical instruments and reusable medical devices that require frequent sterilization without loss of visual identification.
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