Cerakote Ceramic Coating
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
How the Cerakote Ceramic Coating Process Works
Cerakote is a ceramic-polymer hybrid applied at 0.5-2 mils via calibrated HVLP spray. Parts are solvent-cleaned and degreased, media blasted at 40-80 PSI for optimal adhesion profile, coated in controlled layers with in-process DFT verification, and cured at 250-300F. Final inspection verifies thickness, adhesion (ASTM D3359), color consistency (Delta E ≤1), and visual appearance.
Dedicated Equipment, Not a Shared Line
Multi-service shops run Cerakote on the same equipment used for anodizing, plating, and powder coating. Shared lines mean cross-contamination and operators splitting focus across processes. ColoradoKote runs dedicated Cerakote equipment operated by Advanced Applicator-certified technicians who coat ceramic every day. The result: 4,000+ hours salt spray resistance and Delta E <=1 consistency across 90,000-part production runs.
Four Certifications, One Coating Process
ColoradoKote maintains AS9100:2015, ISO 9001:2015, ITAR registration, and Cerakote Advanced Applicator certification. Every job is tracked with material batch numbers, application parameters, cure temperatures, and inspection measurements. You receive a complete Certificate of Conformance documenting every data point your quality team requires.
Performance Benefits of Cerakote Ceramic Coating
Cerakote solves the corrosion, wear, and consistency problems that drive rework, field failures, and procurement headaches.
4,000+ Hours Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM B117)
Cerakote’s ceramic-polymer matrix resists corrosion for 4,000+ hours of ASTM B117 testing, exceeding anodizing by 4x and powder coating by 3x.
Delta E <=1 Color Match Across Production Runs
Color variation between batches causes visual defects and rework. ColoradoKote achieves Delta E <=1 color consistency, the tightest tolerance in ceramic coating. Parts coated six months apart match within human perception limits. This consistency eliminates color drift that forces manufacturers to recoat entire assemblies when adding a single replacement component.
Complete AS9100 Documentation Package
Aerospace and defense procurement requires objective quality evidence for every process step. Every Cerakote job receives full traceability documentation including material batch numbers, application parameters, cure temperatures, thickness measurements, and adhesion test results. Your auditors receive a Certificate of Conformance with the complete data trail AS9100 compliance demands.
Cerakote Ceramic Coating Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -200 F to 2,000 F (V-Series) | Per Cerakote TDS |
| Coating Thickness | 0.5-2.0 mils | DFT Measurement |
| Salt Spray Resistance | 4,000+ hours | ASTM B117 |
| Pencil Hardness | 9H (maximum on scale) | ASTM D3363 |
| Color Consistency | Delta E ≤1 | Spectrophotometer |
| Impact Strength | 160/160 in-lbs | ASTM D2794 |
| Abrasion Resistance | 8,000+ cycles/mil | ASTM D4060 |
| Flexibility | 180-degree bend, 0mm loss | ASTM D522 |
| Coefficient of Friction (Elite) | ~0.11 | Per Cerakote TDS |
| Dielectric Strength (H-900) | 3,000 volts/mil | Per Cerakote TDS |
| Substrate Compatibility | All metals, polymers, composites | - |
| Available Colors | 200+ | Cerakote Catalog |
| Cure Temperature | 250-300 F (standard) | Per Cerakote TDS |
| VOC Status | Exempt in all 50 states | EPA Regulations |
Applicable Standards
- MIL-A-8625 (anodizing alternative): Cerakote provides comparable or superior corrosion protection without substrate limitations or fatigue debit
- MIL-DTL-53039 (chemical agent resistant coating): Cerakote formulations meet or exceed resistance requirements
- MIL-STD-171 (finishing of metal and wood surfaces): Cerakote qualified as an alternative finish system
- MIL-PRF-46010 (lubricant, solid film): Elite Series coefficient of friction (~0.11) meets dry lubricity specifications
- Cerakote is positioned as a qualified alternative to legacy coating specifications, eliminating hazardous waste from chrome plating and reducing dimensional variance from thick-film coatings
Comparison vs. Alternatives
| Property | Cerakote | Anodizing | Powder Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coating Thickness | 0.5-2 mils | Variable | 3-5 mils |
| Substrate Versatility | All metals + polymers | Aluminum only | Metals only |
| Color Consistency | Delta E ≤1 | Delta E >5 | Delta E 2-4 |
| Salt Spray (ASTM B117) | 4,000+ hours | 336-1,000 hours | 500-1,500 hours |
| Weight Impact | Minimal | Adds material | 200-400g per part |
| Tolerance Preservation | Maintains tight tolerances | Variable growth | Dimensional issues |
| Fatigue Impact | None | 20-60% debit | None |
| Chip Resistance | Superior (2-3x) | Good | Baseline |
Source: Independent ASTM-certified testing. Full reports available upon request.
Industries Where Cerakote Ceramic Coating Excels
Ceramic coating protects components across demanding industries. From aircraft engines to military hardware, our process delivers the durability these applications demand.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Where ceramic coating delivers real value
Engine components, landing gear, and fasteners face conditions that demand absolute reliability. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures performance at altitude and beyond.
Parts received, logged, and tracking begins
Parts arrive and are logged into our AS9100 tracking system. We verify quantities against your purchase order, document incoming condition with photographs, and assign lot numbers. Chain of custody begins at this point and continues through final shipment.
Surfaces cleaned, profiled, and ready for coating
Surfaces are solvent-cleaned and degreased to remove all contaminants. Media blasting profiles the surface for optimal coating adhesion, with blast media selected for the specific substrate material. Surface preparation determines coating performance, and we do not rush this step.
Surface is cleaned and made ready for coating
Degreasing, cleaning, and light abrasion remove contaminants and create the ideal surface for adhesion. This step determines coating quality.
Cerakote applied in controlled, monitored layers
Cerakote ceramic coating is applied in controlled layers using calibrated HVLP equipment. Coating thickness is monitored in-process with DFT gauges to maintain the 0.5-2 mil specification. Application parameters, including air pressure, spray distance, and layer count, are documented for full traceability.
Ceramic coating is applied in controlled layers
We apply the coating using precision equipment, monitoring thickness and coverage. Each layer cures before the next is applied, building a durable finish.
Temperature-controlled ovens ensure full hardness
Parts cure in temperature-controlled ovens at 250-300 F following the prescribed cure schedule for the specific Cerakote formulation. Oven temperature is monitored and recorded throughout the cycle. Multiple ovens provide capacity redundancy and consistent thermal profiles.
Coating hardens and bonds to the substrate
The coating cures under controlled temperature and humidity. We don't rush this phase. Full cure strength takes time, and we give it that time.
Multi-point verification and documentation
Final inspection verifies coating thickness (DFT gauge), adhesion (per ASTM D3359), color consistency (spectrophotometer, Delta E ≤1), and visual appearance against acceptance criteria. Certificate of Conformance is generated documenting all measurements. Documentation ships with parts or is available electronically.
Every part is measured and tested before shipment
We measure coating thickness, check for defects, and verify specifications. Documentation is prepared for your records. Only parts that pass leave our facility.
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.
Ready to Protect Your Components with Cerakote
Submit your project details and receive a detailed quote within 24 business hours. Every quote includes technical approach, coating series recommendation, pricing, and lead time. Sample programs available for first-time customers.
