Corrosion Resistance for AM Parts
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
Metal AM Parts Corrode Faster Than Wrought Alloys
Porosity and surface roughness accelerate attack
The challenge
Harsh environments demand coatings that hold.
The solution
ColoradoKote ceramic coating stops corrosion cold.
Why Cerakote for AM Corrosion Protection
Seal porosity and protect in one application
4,000+ Hours Salt Spray Resistance
ASTM B117 verified. Seals micro-porosity inherent in metal AM processes while creating a corrosion barrier that outperforms the base metal's natural resistance.
Porosity Sealing
Cerakote fills the micro-voids and surface imperfections inherent in DMLS, SLM, and binder jet metal AM processes, eliminating moisture ingress points that initiate corrosion from within.
Surface Finish Improvement
Reduces AM surface roughness from Ra 6-15 μm to under 3 μm while adding corrosion protection. Two problems solved in one coating application.
Dimensional Precision
0.5-2 mil application adds minimal dimensional impact (+0.001-0.002"). Preserves the geometric accuracy that additive manufacturing delivers.
AM Corrosion Protection Specifications
How We Protect AM Parts From Corrosion
Material-specific protocols for metal AM substrates
AM Material Assessment
Parts evaluated for AM process type, alloy, density, and surface condition. Porosity level assessed to determine preparation and coating approach for optimal corrosion barrier.
Surface Preparation & Conditioning
Media blasting optimized for AM surface geometry. Support removal areas addressed. Ultrasonic cleaning removes residual powder and oils trapped in surface porosity.
Coating, Cure & Verification
Cerakote applied to seal porosity and create corrosion barrier. Cure temperature matched to metal AM substrate. Post-cure inspection includes adhesion, thickness, and surface quality verification.
Verified AM Corrosion Protection
Corrosion resistance verified through ASTM B117 salt spray testing on AM substrates. Results demonstrate significant improvement over uncoated metal AM surfaces.
Protection beyond base metal
Cerakote-coated AM parts exceed the corrosion resistance of wrought equivalents by sealing the porosity that makes AM surfaces vulnerable to accelerated attack.
Hours salt spray resistance
Other services to consider
Explore what else we offer.
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.
Certified and compliant for your industry
Protect Your AM Parts From Corrosion
Send your AM part details and material specs. We respond within 24 hours with coating approach and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Yes. Cleaning solutions for medical device components are selected for compatibility with the device substrate material and the downstream processing requirements. We avoid solutions that leave residue affecting biocompatibility testing or device function. Thorough rinsing in deionized water follows the cleaning cycle to remove all solution traces. Cleaning parameters and solution identification are documented on the Certificate of Conformance for your quality records.
ITAR registration is a federal requirement for any company handling defense articles or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. ColoradoKote's ITAR registration means we can receive, process, and return controlled components without creating compliance exposure for your program. Combined with AS9100 quality management, we provide the documentation rigor defense procurement requires.
Chemical conversion coating is an excellent first line of defense for aluminum components in marine environments. MIL-DTL-5541 Type I delivers 168-240+ hours of salt spray resistance per ASTM B117, providing meaningful standalone protection. For components with sustained saltwater immersion or spray exposure, we strongly recommend the chem conversion plus Cerakote stack, which delivers 3,000 hours of salt spray protection in a coating system thinner than conventional marine paint.
Our in-house capability to perform chemical conversion coating on aluminum, passivation on stainless steel, and Cerakote ceramic topcoat creates a multi-layer corrosion defense under one roof. Each layer serves a distinct function: conversion coating or passivation stabilizes the substrate surface, while Cerakote provides the barrier protection rated at 3,000 hours salt spray. Processing everything in-house eliminates contamination risk from inter-vendor transport.
Yes. Engine room components face heat, fuel and oil exposure, salt atmosphere, and vibration that create a multi-threat environment for coatings. Cerakote's temperature range from -40°F to 2,000°F handles exhaust and engine heat, while its chemical resistance protects against fuel, lubricants, and coolant. The 9H hardness and impact resistance of 160/160 inch-pounds withstand the tool contact and vibration typical of marine engine rooms.