Military & Defense Metal Finishing

From large, heavy machinery to small parts and components like belts, buckles, and vests, Light Metals Coloring specializes in metal finishing services for all types of military applications. 

Military metal finishing is important simply because of the rigorous and demanding environments and conditions said parts and components often must perform. Premature failure or wear is not an option.

Read on to learn more about Light Metals Coloring's military and defense finishing services, and be sure to contact us for more information related to your specific part.

Anodizing



Anodizing is one of the most required metal finishing techniques that's deployed for a range of products, including military applications where the weight of a component requires that it be made from a lightweight material such as aluminum.

It's a process that's designed to produce a corrosion-resistant, durable, and attractive finish on aluminum parts. At Light Metals Coloring, we offer five different types of anodizing, which include:

• High-Precision Anodizing: A process best for parts with a need for tight tolerances.
• High-Efficiency Anodizing: A process ideal for finishing a large number of metal parts at once.
• High-Efficiency Bulk: A low-cost option that's usually reserved for smaller components.
• High-Precision Hardcoat: Which provides a thicker overall finish for enhanced part durability.
• High-Efficiency Hardcoat: A solution for those looking for low per-piece cost and large part runs.

Part finishing at Light Metals Coloring includes compliance with ITAR, ATF and NADCAP regulations, among other military part specifications. 

Sulfuric acid anodizing specifications include Mil-A-8625, Type II, Class 1; Mil-A-8625, Type II, Class 2; Mil-Std-171, 7.21 dyed and non-dyed; and AMS-2471, dyed and non-dyed. 

Hard coat anodizing specifications include Mil-A-8625 Type III, Class 1 non-dyed and Mil-A-8625 Type III, Class 2 dyed; Mil-Std-171-75; AMS-2468; and AMS-2469.

Phosphating

Phosphating is another popular military anodizing technique, designed for steel parts. It's a process where a dilute solution of phosphate salts and phosphoric acid is applied to the part surface to create a layer of insoluble, crystalline phosphates. The process is designed to help offer corrosion resistance, promote lubrication and serve as a foundation for paint or some other type of surface coating.

For a successful outcome, it's always best to work with an experienced metal finishing service provider that understands your part and what you're looking to achieve with a metal finishing service. Contact Light Metals Coloring today for more information on phosphating. We work to specifications that include Mil-DTL-16232, a military standard.

Other Metal Finishing Services

In addition to anodizing and phosphating, we offer other metal finishing services upon request. With years of engineering expertise, we can tailor a solution for you and your next military part based on any unique requirements and properties you want the end part to offer. Contact us today to learn more about our range of metal finishing services - from anodizing to phosphating to customized solutions - for your next military part run. At Light Metals Coloring, we're dedicated to using our state-of-the-art technical services to serve as a true extension of our customer's business.

Contact the Light Metals Coloring Professionals

As a leading provider of metal finishing solutions in industries that range from automotive and aerospace to military and defense to cosmetics, we have the know-how and expertise to tailor a solution for your next part run. Contact us today for more information on what finishing method would work best for your part.