Corrosion Protection for Aerospace
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
The Corrosion Problem in Aerospace
Where unprotected surfaces ground aircraft
The challenge
Harsh environments demand coatings that hold.
The solution
ColoradoKote ceramic coating stops corrosion cold.
Why Cerakote for Aerospace Corrosion Protection
Performance that exceeds anodizing and plating
Superior salt spray barrier
4,000+ hours salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) versus 336-1,000 hours for anodizing and 1,871 hours for competitor Xylan coating. That is an 87% improvement over the nearest tested alternative. The ceramic-polymer matrix resists de-icing chemicals, hydraulic fluids, and salt-laden coastal air without degradation.
Dimensional precision at 0.5-2 mils
Controlled thin-film application preserves interference-fit dimensions on structural fasteners and close-tolerance assemblies. Parts coat to specification without post-coating machining. Powder coating at 3-5 mils causes dimensional interference that Cerakote eliminates entirely.
AS9100 traceability on every part
Every coating parameter is documented per AS9100 requirements. Certificate of Conformance includes material batch numbers, application data, cure records, and inspection results. First article inspection reports and PPAP documentation are available upon request for new aerospace programs.
All aerospace substrates from one source
Cerakote bonds to aluminum, steel, titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and composites. One coating system, one quality package, and one supplier qualification covers your entire aerospace parts portfolio regardless of substrate material.
Corrosion Protection Specs for Aerospace
How We Deliver Corrosion Protection for Aerospace
AS9100 documented from surface preparation through final inspection
Substrate-Specific Surface Preparation
Each aerospace alloy receives tailored preparation for maximum corrosion barrier adhesion. Titanium, aluminum, and steel substrates follow different cleaning and profiling sequences. Ultrasonic cleaning removes contaminants, and precision masking protects critical surfaces, threads, and bearing areas from any coating buildup.
Controlled Corrosion Barrier Application
Cerakote is applied via calibrated HVLP equipment in monitored layers targeting 0.5-2 mil thickness. In-process DFT measurements confirm dimensional compliance on every part. Application parameters, including air pressure, distance, and layer count, are documented for full AS9100 traceability.
Precision Curing and Corrosion Verification
Parts cure per the prescribed schedule in temperature-monitored ovens. Final inspection verifies coating thickness, adhesion per ASTM D3359, and visual integrity. Salt spray test coupons from each production batch validate 4,000+ hour corrosion performance. Certificate of Conformance documents all results.
Proven Corrosion Protection for Aerospace
Corrosion protection performance is verified through standardized ASTM testing, not manufacturer claims. Every production batch undergoes the same quality checks under AS9100 controls, and results are documented on your Certificate of Conformance with full lot traceability.
4,000+ hours salt spray resistance
Validated against ASTM B117, the standard used across the aerospace industry to qualify corrosion protection coatings. In comparative testing, competitor Xylan coating was pulled at 1,871 hours due to excessive corrosion, making Cerakote 87% superior. Aerospace customers can specify additional testing requirements, and we document those results alongside our standard quality package.
Hours salt spray resistance (ASTM B117)
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 Aerospace Parts
Submit a corrosion protection RFP. We respond within 24 hours with approach and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Yes. Oil and gas equipment programs often span years, with replacement and expansion parts ordered long after the original batch. We retain the spectrophotometer data, formulation records, and Delta E measurements from every order so your custom color is exactly repeatable. Parts produced two years apart are verified to Delta E 1.5 against the original standard, ensuring consistent visual identification across your entire installed equipment base.
Yes. ColoradoKote has maintained Delta E 1.5 color consistency across programs exceeding 20,000 parts with zero quality issues. This consistency comes from controlled process variables: calibrated HVLP equipment, documented spray parameters, temperature-controlled curing, and spectrophotometer verification on every lot. Material batch tracking ensures coating chemistry is consistent, and our AS9100 quality system prevents the process drift that causes color variation in high-volume production.
Yes. The same Cerakote color applied to SLS PA12, MJF polymer, and metal AM substrates (Ti-6Al-4V, AlSi10Mg, 316L) produces consistent visual results when measured by spectrophotometer. Substrate color and surface texture affect perceived appearance, which is why we verify by instrument rather than visual inspection alone. Surface preparation parameters are adjusted per substrate to ensure consistent coating thickness and therefore consistent color appearance across material types.
Chemical conversion coating is widely used on medical device aluminum housings and enclosures where corrosion resistance and paint adhesion are required. The sub-micron layer adds virtually zero dimensional change, which is critical for devices with tight mechanical tolerances. For medical components needing additional protection or specific colors, we can apply Cerakote over the conversion layer for 3,000 hours of salt spray resistance at just 0.5-2 mils.
Yes. Paraffin wax deposits and mineral scale accumulate in flow passages, choke components, and valve internals, restricting flow and preventing coating adhesion. Ultrasonic cavitation combined with heated cleaning solutions dissolves paraffin while mechanically breaking down mineral scale deposits. For components with complex internal flow paths, ultrasonic cleaning is often the only effective method to achieve the substrate cleanliness required for Cerakote adhesion in recoating operations.