Coatings

CARC – (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)

• CARC is used as a finishing system on military combat equipment. It entails a cleaning, pre-treatment, primer, paint and specialized testing. They are typically applied in accordance with TT-C-490 and the MIL-DTL-53072 application specs.

Controlled Atmosphere Cure

• We can control our cure environment by monitoring temperature and humidity to ensure they are within specification requirements.

Conveyorized Paint Line

• An in-house paint line that could be used to mass paint a variety of part configurations.

Epoxy / Polyurethane / Enamel

• Epoxy – Often recommended as a first base coat, epoxy primers offer a strong bonding capacity and produce a good surface finish.
• Polyurethane – A polyurethane can be a single or two-component coating. It is often used as a topcoat and offers a great UV resistance.
• Enamel – A high gloss, smooth, decorative alkyd or acrylic topcoat. Mostly used for cosmetic reasons.

Dry / Solid Film Lubricant

• Part with Dry Film LubricantSolid film lubricants offer protection in a wider range of conditions than oil can
• Solid film lubricated surfaces are dry, which reduces contamination and corrosion
• Surfaces often require preparation prior to application per specification requirements
• MIL holds numerous approvals for solid film lubricant application

Many aerospace primes, and leaders in other industries, are requiring use of Solid Film Lubricants for the protection of parts instead of using oil as a lubricant. Parts exposed to extreme conditions including low to high speed, temperature, and pressure application have in the past been coated with traditional protective fluid films like oil and grease. So why switch? These traditional films only offer protection under a more narrow range of conditions and do not necessarily hold up with adequate film formation for as long as the parts are exposed. Alternatively, applying a permanent coating of dry or solid film lubricant to the interacting surfaces ensures that your part will be protected from continuing exposure and friction.

Solid film lubricants come in many common types such as Teflon®, Molybdenum, and Tungsten Disulfide that were discovered to have been in use dating as far back as antiquity and in 14th century Japan. Many components occur naturally with easy shearing tendencies and an attraction to metallic surfaces. When applied, they form a lattice of structured layers that does not occur with the application of oils and greases. The resulting coating is much more reliable in reducing shear forces between surfaces like sliding shafts and threads.

Because this type of lubrication is cured or allowed to air dry, it offers a protective layer that will not readily become contaminated like an oil would when put into service in the field. Parts that have not yet been put into service will also be protected with the application of anti-seizing solid film lubricants. You may have noticed that storage conditions may lead to damage from seizing. This occurs because interacting surfaces that remain immobile for a long period of time often “stick,” which can result in damage when forced apart. A further benefit is that the dry surface acts as a barrier from moisture to prevent corrosion, oxidation and rust. This is enhanced by the fact that many soild film lubricant specifications require an additional cleaning process prior to application. Degreasing, blasting, or passivation are commonly used as preparation for optimal coating adhesion and effectiveness.

MIL offers a number of solid film lubricants with prime approvals including approvals from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Honeywell. As a job shop, MIL can also perform the additional cleaning services required per specification. For parts that will be exposed to extreme conditions, either functionally or environmentally, Magnetic Inspection Laboratory and solid film lubricant offer what you need to far surpass other types of lubricants.

References:

• “Solid Film Lubricants: A Practical Guide”
• “Globalspec.com: Solid and Dry Film Lubricants”

Metallic Ceramic (SermeTel)

• Metallic-ceramic coatings are used to provide oxidation-resistant and abrasion-resistant coatings for high temperature gas turbine engine components, but they are sometimes used for general corrosion resistance for components that also require abrasion resistance.
• Benefits: corrosion protection, improved appearance, high performance and durability

MIL-Spec Prime / Paint

• Our dedicated team of coatings professionals can provide prime and paint solutions for MIL-STD or MIL-SPEC work.
• Our coatings department has the capability to apply approved materials such as MIL-PRF-23377 and MIL-PRF-85285 in accordance with application specifications created by the military and also created by Prime contractors.

Molykote

• Molykote coatings are anti-friction, lubricating paint-like products that optimize friction by softening the roughness of surfaces. They contain tiny particles of solid lubricants that are distributed through resin blends and solvents.
  This optimizes friction between materials such as metals and plastics, even in extreme working conditions. These coatings are most often utilized for their intense protective qualities and advanced lubrication.
• Benefits of Molykote include: lasting protection, durability, dry and clean lubrication.

Powder Coating

• Powder coating is a surface treatment used to protect metals and other materials against potentially harmful environmental factors. This coating is applied electrostatically as a free-flowing powder and cured under heat or UV light. It can be applied to any material, but it is commonly used on steel, aluminum, and plastic. Powder coating differs from traditional liquid paint, which is generally applied using an evaporating solvent. Though it is not as durable as PVD coating due to its thickness, it provides excellent rust prevention, color uniformity and scratch protection.
• Benefits of powder coating include: corrosion resistance, longer life, high quality surface finish.

Resin

• Resin coatings are typically high heat resistant and designed to protect engine components from the environment (corrosion, oil).

Teflon

• Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a fluorocarbon solid, making it resistant to corrosive chemicals and extreme temperatures for both hot and cold, UV ray resistant, and low friction. It also provides good insulation from electricity and doesn’t absorb water. This high performance material has been used in applications for over 80 years.
• Benefits: resistance to extreme temperature, Chemical resistance

Xylan

• Xylan coatings help improve performance and extend the life of components. This trusted technology protects from corrosion, chemicals, and abrasion, as well as provides low friction properties to improve release compared to uncoated parts.
• Benefits include: controlled low friction, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, wear and abrasion resistance