Originally introduced by NIC Industries CERAKOTE® durable polymer ceramic coating has been used mainly by weapons manufacturers to protect guns and gun parts. Over the next years, CERAKOTE® ceramic composite coatings were progressively adopted by the car industry because of the ceramic coatings' heat resistance making them a natural choice for engine parts, but also in other industries for advanced aerospace components and medical devices.
CERAKOTE® coatings offer various benefits compared to other coatings briefly discussed below:
Thin layers: CERAKOTE® is applied in very thin layers of between 25 and 50 microns thick. Therefore, applying CERAKOTE® to complex components has very little impact on tolerance. Thin layers also make CERAKOTE® coatings very light.
Heat resistance: CERAKOTE® exhibits excellent heat resistance properties with the capability to withstand temperatures in excess of 2,000˚F, making it an excellent choice for coating engine and exhaust parts.
Chemical resistance: CERAKOTE® coatings resist solvents, acids, alkalis and other chemicals but also cleaning agents and disinfectants used in the health care sector.
Corrosion resistance: Items coated in CERAKOTE® can be placed in harsh environments as the substance can cope with saltwater, humidity and wide temperature fluctuations resisting corrosion of coated metal parts.
Durability: CERAKOTE® became the standard solution for protecting firearms and automobile components because it is both durable and flexible. The coating is scratch and abrasion resistant, and it can be used on moving parts as testing discovered that it can flex up to 180 degrees with no adhesion issues.
In addition, CERAKOTE® coatings do not produce or deplete ozone and they are considered VOC exempt substances. They are also biocompatible, do not harm human tissue or trigger an allergic reactions and therefore safe to use on implants and other medical devices. They come in a wide range of colors in satin, matte and glossy very easy to clean finishes offering improved appearance of coated components and the capability for color coding.
CERAKOTE® Uses in the Aerospace Industry
CERAKOTE® ceramic composite coatings are used by aerospace manufacturers because they provide a much more effective thermal barrier than other protective coatings. They perform very well when exposed to heat and thermal shock as they do not degrade, crack, flake or lose color. They protect against corrosion in harsh environmental conditions, making them an excellent choice for protecting aircraft parts. They can withstand exposure to aviation fuels, solvents and deicing agents while their UV stability protects against degradation and oxidation. Additional features of CERAKOTE® coatings include their compliance with US federal and Boeing standards for flammability protection, and VOC, REACH and RoHS requirements. Common aerospace coating uses include helicopter engine parts to prevent from overheating but also uses in flight deck surfaces, electronics, cabin and interior parts and exterior components like latches, locks and window frames.
CERAKOTE® Series of Coatings
CERAKOTE® Elite Series – Oven Cure
The CERAKOTE® Elite Series is the highest performance thin film coating available. Offered in more than 15 different colors, coatings in this series provide parts with the lowest coefficient of friction, rivaling Teflon®, for abrasion resistance and the highest levels of corrosion and chemical resistance, durability, and hardness. The Elite Series is perfect for applications requiring tight tolerances and typically eliminates the need for masking. Commonly used in applications for aerospace, defense, electronics, marine, manufacturing, and more.
CERAKOTE® H Series – Oven Cure
The CERAKOTE® H Series coatings are available in more than 100 different colors and feature exceptional corrosion, wear, impact scratch and chemical resistance. This unique ceramic-polymer technology imparts both flexibility and excellent physical performance while adhering to tight tolerances. Widely used in applications for defense, electronics, marine, construction, and more.
CERAKOTE® C Series (High Temperature Series) – Air Cure
The CERAKOTE® C Series coatings consist part of the CERAKOTE® High Temperature Series. These coatings are the thinnest, most chemical resistant high temperature ceramic coatings in the world. Formulated to withstand temperatures up to 1,800˚F, and providing excellent UV stability, they are commonly used in applications for aerospace, alternative energy, defense, industrial, manufacturing, and oil & gas. The C Series is available in more than 50 colors and is a great option for both large and small parts that cannot be oven cured.
CERAKOTE® V Series (High Temperature Series) – Oven Cure
The CERAKOTE® V Series of coatings are the thinnest, most durable high temperature ceramic coatings formulated to withstand temperatures up to 1,800˚F. They offer industry leading heat-cycled corrosion resistance, withstand thermal shock without degrading or losing color, provide 100% UV stability, and are extremely chemical resistant. Coaatings of the V Series are commonly used in applications for aerospace, automotive, energy, industrial, and manufacturing. The V Series is available in more than 10 different colors.
CERAKOTE® Specialty Series – Air & Oven Cure
CERAKOTE® Specialty Series includes an extensive range of coatings for different applications mentioned below. Each Specialty Coating is designed with specific performance attributes while maintaining the industry leading physical and chemical performance of CERAKOTE® in a single layer, thin film coating. The Specialty Series coatings are available in a number of different colors.
Electrical Barrier – Electrical barrier coating with a low dielectric constant
Micro Slick – Low coefficient of friction coating for high temperature applications
Piston Coatings – Low thermal conductive coatings, used primarily on top of pistons, engine valves and combustion chambers to insulate and reduce heat transfer.
Gen II NiR – Near-Infrared Signature Management
Transfer Grey Heat Dissipation – High thermally conductive coatings, used primarily for radiators, intercoolers, and heat exchangers.
Performance Clears – Air & Oven Cure
Performance Clears are the next generation of performance based clear coatings. These coatings feature industry leading durability, hardness, scratch resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance. Designed specifically to be the thinnest, yet strongest clear coating on the market that can be applied to nearly any substrate, from composites and hydrographics, to metals and plastics.