Industrial Aerospace Coating Service

Aircraft and spacecraft parts must endure extreme conditions, from rapid temperature fluctuations and corrosive elements to high-velocity impacts. These critical components rely on specialized industrial aerospace coatings to provide ongoing protection against environmental stressors while maintaining their integrity and enhancing their overall performance.

Plas-Tech specializes in high-performance aerospace coatings that meet high industry standards. Our coatings are designed to promote durability, efficiency, and chemical resistance. Read on to learn more about industrial aerospace coatings, their benefits, and their common applications.

Properties of Industrial Aerospace Coatings

Aerospace coatings are formulated to withstand the unique challenges of aviation and space environments. Epoxy, for instance, ensures the durability of the topcoat and enhances protection against environmental stressors. Polyurethane is more elastic and flexible, withstanding structural movement without cracking or chipping.

Fluoropolymer coatings provide higher resistance to extreme temperatures (up to 500 °F or 260 °C), making them ideal for components exposed to high heat and friction. These coatings reduce wear and corrosion while offering insulation and lubricity. However, their application requires a thermal curing process, which limits their use to specific aerospace components.

Airplane and aero coatings are usually applied in thin layers, typically with a dry film thickness of 1-3 mils to ensure performance and weight efficiency.

Benefits of Industrial Aerospace Coatings

Some specific advantages of industrial aerospace coatings include:

High Durability Provide long-lasting protection under mechanical stress.

Corrosion Resistance Shield components from oxidation, salt spray, and moisture exposure.

Wear Resistance Protect high-contact parts (such as landing gear and engine components) from friction and abrasion.

Thermal Protection Provide insulation for both high-temperature engine components and cryogenic systems.

Improved Aerodynamic Efficiency Reduce drag, leading to better fuel economy while optimizing aircraft performance.

UV Resistance Maintain integrity and performance in acidic and high-exposure environments.

Extended Component Lifespan Minimizes maintenance requirements and downtime, saving on operational costs.

By integrating high-performance coatings, aircraft manufacturers and maintenance providers can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of aerospace components.

Types of Industrial Coatings Used in Aerospace

Aerospace uses a few different types of industrial coatings, each exhibiting unique properties that can benefit different needs and applications. Plas-Tech supplies a number of common industrial coatings for aerospace applications:

Polymer Coatings
Polymer coatings form protective films with varying performance characteristics depending on the specific polymer used. These can include:
- Epoxy^™
  Provides excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability. Commonly used as a base coating for structural components, interior surfaces, and electronic parts.
- Polyurethane^™
  Offers flexibility, abrasion resistance, and superior weather protection, making them ideal for exterior fuselage and wing surfaces.
- Polyester^™
  Delivers hardness, scratch resistance, and lasting color retention. Frequently used for cabin interiors and trim.
Fluoropolymer Coatings
Fluoropolymer coatings are highly durable, non-stick, and resistant to extreme conditions. Some common types include:
- PTFE (Teflon^™)
  Has a low friction coefficient, making it ideal for fasteners, seals, and components that need chemical resistance.
- ECTFE (Halar^®)
  Provides critical environmental protection for aircraft parts and electrical components due to its high temperature resistance, flame retardancy, and anti-corrosive properties.
- PVDF (Kynar^®)
  Offers exceptional weatherability, UV resistance, and chemical protection and is often used in exterior aerospace applications.

Our team can help select the most suitable coating option based on the specific performance requirements and operational conditions of the aircraft component it protects.

Top Metals for Aerospace Coating Adhesion

Plas-Tech’s aerospace and aircraft coatings are designed to adhere to various metals commonly used in aircraft manufacturing, including:

Aluminum and Alloys Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is widely used in aircraft structures and components. Aerospace coatings enhance their durability and resistance to environmental stressors.
Titanium and Alloys Titanium is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. It is frequently used to improve wear protection and reduce friction in engine components.
Steel Alloys Used in critical aerospace applications due to their strength and resistance to high temperatures. Coatings help improve durability and reduce oxidation.
Nickel and Alloys Lightweight but highly susceptible to corrosion, magnesium alloys require specialized coatings to extend their usability in aerospace applications.
Copper Advanced coatings help protect composite materials from UV damage, moisture absorption, and structural degradation.

Picking a coating material that is compatible with the substrate metal is essential to promote proper adhesion and long-lasting protection for these aerospace materials. In addition, surface preparation treatments, such as cleaning and etching, are typically necessary to eliminate contaminants so the coating can completely bond to the surface. How the coating is applied, whether through spraying or electroplating, can affect its overall adhesion and performance.

Common Aerospace Coating Parts & Components

Aerospace components often require more from industrial coatings due to their unique performance requirements and environmental conditions. At Plas-Tech, our specialized coatings are critical in aerospace for safety and longevity, with uses in a range of engine parts and structural components.

Structural Components
Our high-performance aircraft coatings are also used for structural components, such as:
- Airfoils
  Rely on weather-resistant coatings for erosion and environmental protection.
- Hydraulic systems
  Depend on high-performance coatings to reduce friction and wear.
- Fasteners
  Used to prevent corrosion while ensuring reliable connections.
Other Components
Other aerospace components that can benefit from using protective coatings from Plas-Tech include:
- Bearings
  Coated to minimize friction and extend service life.
- Seals
  Rely on industrial coatings for chemical resistance and temperature stability.
- Interior components
  Can use special coatings to enhance durability and aesthetics.

Plas-Tech Coatings is NADCAP Certified

NADCAP Scope NADCAP Certificate

Quality Industrial Aero Coating Services by Plas-Tech

Industrial coatings are critical for ensuring the durability, efficiency, and safety of aircraft components. Plas-Tech’s aerospace coatings enhance performance and reduce maintenance costs by protecting against corrosion, wear, extreme temperatures, and environmental exposure. With advancements in coating technologies, we are able to optimize our processes, extend component lifespans, and improve overall aircraft reliability.

Request a quote today to learn how our solutions can enhance the performance and protection of components. For high-quality aerospace coatings that meet industry standards, trust Plas-Tech.