Major uses: Unsealed - maximum degree of abrasion/wear resistance (Rockwell 50-70) Sealed - Increases corrosion resistance while reducing abrasion/wear resistance (i.e., outdoor applications) Excellent resistance to electricity. (insulates)

Thickness: As low as .0001 and as high as .007 (dependent on alloy) however, wear resistance decreases as thickness over .0025 increases.

Color: Matte aluminum to black dependent on alloy, its constituents and thickness of coating being applied. Hard-Fin: Allen Aircraft Products, Inc. proprietary Hardcoat process meets all the above referenced specifications with very little surface finish increase on wrought alloys; saves post hone/polish operations.

Phosphatized Components

Sulfuric Anodize
Specifications: MIL-A-8625/TYPE II, DPS 11.05, PS  13201, AMS 2471/2472

Major uses: Superior corrosion resistance and base for post-anodic paint systems, as well as relatively low cost. Due to the wider, deeper anodic pore structure, this coating absorbs dyestuffs and sealants much better than Hardcoat. Wide array of colors available for cosmetic or identification purposes.

Thickness: Relatively thin coating, thickness is not a characteristic measured, but rather coating weight. Sulfuric anodize with dichromate seal: 1000 mg/ft2, minimum.

Color: Class 1 with dichromate sealing is straw-green color. Class 2 can be any color specified, i.e. black, olive drab, green... etc.

Architectural Anodize
Specifications: Aluminum association specifications where electrolytic deposition of inorganic pigment is placed into the anodic pore.

Major uses: Superior resistance to ultraviolet rays and high heat environments where organic dyes are weak. Excellent for most outdoor applications. Wide array of colors available based on alloy, film thickness and customer specifications.

Thickness: Ranges from .0004 to .001 (.4 to 1.0 mil) as specified.

Color: Ranges from champagne to black

Parts being immersed in large hardcoat tank

Chromate Conversion Coatings
Specifications: MIL-C-5541, CLASSES 1A and 3, PS  13204, AMS 2473 Note: Class 1A maximum corrosion resistance; Class 3 for protection against corrosion, while electrical resistance is at lowest possible.

Major uses: Class 1A -  This coating is intended to provide corrosion prevention when left unpainted, as well as to improve adhesion of paint and most spray coatings vs. uncoated aluminum alloys.

Class 3 - This coating is intended to provide corrosion preventive film for electrical and electronic applications where lower resistant contacts, relative to class 1A coatings as required.

Thickness: Not applicable. Extremely thin coating - not measurable by conventional means

Color: Generally, a golden iridescent color; however, color can be specified.

Passivate
Specifications: MIL-S-5002, QQ-P-35, ASTM A380 and ASTM A967

Major uses: During processing operations such as forming, machining, tumbling and lapping, iron particles may become smeared over or imbedded into the surface of corrosion resistant steel parts. These particles are removed from the surface by passivating in a bath of Nitric Acid, which will render the surface passive, thus improving the corrosion resistance of the part. It must also be noted that if a subsequent process is to be done to the part, it will improve the adhesion of that coating system by having a chemically clean surface on which to apply the coatings.

Racking Fixtures

Phosphate
Specifications: DOD-P-16232, TYPE M OR Z, TT-C-490, TYPE I (Manganese, Zinc and light Zinc respectively)

Major uses: DOD-P-16232, Type M - Maganese Phosphate, Type M is more resistant than TYPE Z to alkaline environments and can withstand up to  250 degrees (F). Also, an excellent base for supplementary treatments (the coating acts much like a sponge and absorbs the oils, teflons, solid film lubricants... etc.) DOD-P-16232, Type Z - Phosphate, Type Z coatings should not be used if contact with alkalies or if working temperature exceed 200 degrees (F). However, coating gives more anti-galling potential and is more resistant to corrosion. Type I, Light Zinc Phosphate coatings are intended primarily for use as a general, all-purpose pre-treatment, prior to painting. This is an excellent base for paint and paint systems and is the preferred phosphate when parts are going to a subsequent paint operation.

Color: Gray to black

Dry Film Lubricants
Specifications: MIL-L-46010 (Formerly MIL-L-8937), BAC 5811 and PS 18021

Major uses: These lubricants are resin-bonded, Molybdenum - Disulfide containing spray applied coatings, which are intended to greatly reduce wear, corrosion, galling and seizure of metals and are extremely resistant to solvents. Some typical application examples would be: Plain and spherical bearings, flap tracks, hinges, threads and cam surfaces. Please note that these coatings are meant to lubricate in a dry environment.

Thickness: .0002/.0005 thick

Color: Matte gray to black

Salt spray process control testing chamber

Teflon
Specifications: MIL-A-63576, Type III (spray applied over hardcoat)

Major uses: Lubrication under light loads or release and low coefficient of friction. Also, can be done by immersion with Allen's "ALON" process over a previously coated surface or on bare substrate as applicable.

Thickness: .0005/.001 spray applied and .0001/.0002 by immersion

Color: Spray applied - black; immersion method - clear to milky white color

Paints
Specifications: Various military, Department of Defense and commercial specifications

Major uses: Depending on which paint system is applied, increases corrosion resistance on most finishes and base materials. Allen Aircraft also applies CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings) coatings for military applications.

Thickness: Applied to various specification requirements

Color: Most colors referenced in FED-STD-595 for paint finishes.