Anodizing, Electroplating, and Chemical Finishing
There are a large number of published Military and Industrial specifications covering anodizing, Electroless and Electro Plating, and related processes. An overview of the various finishing approaches are provided, and the major military specifications are contained in the table.
- Anodizing: Anodizing is an electrochemical conversion process that forms an oxide film, usually on aluminum, in an electrolyte (chemical solution). The aluminum parts are the anode (thus the term "anodizing") and current is passed between them and a cathode, usually flat aluminum bars, through the above mentioned electrolyte (sulfuric acid is most commonly used).
- Electroless Plating: The process of applying one or more layers of a metal to a substrate without the use of an external electrical charge. It is also sometimes called autocatalytic because the metal being applied is in solution and adheres itself to the substrate (plastic or ceramic included) without the use of an outside power source, (i.e., electroplating). Electroless plating results in a completely uniform deposit, even on complex shapes, to improve wear
- Electroplating: The process of applying one or more layers of a metal to a part by passing a positively charged electrical current through a solution containing dissolved metal ions (anode) and a negatively charged electrical current through the part to be plated (cathode).
- Conversion Coatings: A generic term for a coating produced by a chemical or electrochemical treatment of a metallic surface that gives a superficial layer containing a compound of the metal. Typically these are categorized as Steel Conversion Coatings (Black Oxide/Phosphate), Chromate Conversion coatings, and Anodize.
- Dry Film Lubricants: This finish provies protection from damage during relative movement and to reduce friction and wear. The most commonly used dry-film lubricants are the inorganic compounds graphite and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and the polymer material PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). They have very high lubricating properties allowing applications where one wishes to reduce friction and cannot have wet greases or oils present.
- Passivation: This process improves the surface condition of a metal by dissolving the iron that is embedded in the surface by forming, machining, or other manufacturing steps The treatment, which consists of immersing the stainless steel parts in a solution of nitric acid without oxidizing salts for a specific period of time, dissolves the embedded iron and restore the original corrosion-resistance surface by forming a thin transparent oxide film.
| Specification | Name | Description | Superseded by | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anodizing (Aluminum) | MIL-A-8625 | Anodic Coatings For Aluminum And Aluminum Alloys | Covers the requirements for six types and two classes of electrolytically formed anodic coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloys for non-architectural applications. | |
| Anodizing (Hardcoat, PTFE-Sealed) | MIL-A-63576 | Aluminum Oxide Coatings, Lubricative, For Aluminum And Aluminum Alloys | Covers the requirements for an electrochemical process for building a lubricative anodic coating on aluminum and aluminum alloys. | Cancelled with no superseding document |
| Chemical Film (Aluminum) | MIL-C-81706 MIL-DTL-81706 | Chemical Conversion Materials For Coating Aluminum And Aluminum Alloys | Covers the requirements for the chemical materials used in the formation of conversion coating by the reaction of the material and the surfaces of aluminum and aluminum alloys | |
| Chemical Film (Low Resistance) | MIL-DTL-5541 | Chemical Conversion Coatings On Aluminum And Aluminum Alloys | Covers chemical conversion coatings formed by the reaction of chemical conversion materials with the surfaces of aluminum and aluminum alloys | |
| Chemical Film, (Chromate Conversion) | MIL-C-5541 | Chemical Conversion Coatings On Aluminum And Aluminum Alloys | Covers chemical conversion coatings formed by the reaction of chemical conversion materials with the surfaces of aluminum and aluminum alloys. | S/S By MIL-DTL -5541 |
| Chromium Plating (Electrodeposited) | MIL-C-23422 MIL-DTL-23422 | Chromium Plating, Electrodeposited | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited chromium plate for applications where high quality hard chromium plate is required | Controlled Document w/ Distribution Statement F |
| Cleaning and Pretreatment (Aluminum) | MIL-HDBK-509 | Cleaning And Treatment Of Aluminum Parts Prior To Painting | Contains the requirements for nonelectrolytic chemical surface treatment of aluminum and aluminum alloys prior to painting. | |
| Cleaning and Pretreatment (Ferrous and Non-Ferrous) | TT-C-490 | Chemical Conversion Coatings And Pretreatments For Ferrous Surfaces (Base For Organic Coatings) | Covers cleaning, surface conditioning for crystal refinement and pretreatment by chemical conversion of ferrous metals and zinc/zinc alloy coated metals. Also covers suitable cleaning processes for nonferrous surfaces | |
| Cleaning and Pretreatments (Dry Lubricants) | MSFC-RQMT-1282 | Surface Preparation And Application Of Dry Film Lubricants | Applies to materials that require surface cleaning and finishing prior to application of dry film lubrication | |
| Cleaning and Pretreatments (Metal Surfaces) | MIL-F-5002 MIL-DTL-5002 | Surface Treatments And Inorganic Coatings For Metal Surfaces Of Weapons System | Covers the requirements for cleaning, surface treatment, and application of inorganic coatings for metallic surfaces of weapons systems pa | |
| Coating, Hot-Dip Galvanizing | MIL-Z-17871 | Zinc-Coating (Hot-Dip Galvanizing) | Covers standards for zinc coatings applied through hot-drip process on iron and steel hardware. | ASTM A153 |
| Coatings (Aluminum) | MIL-C-83488 MIL-DTL-83488 | Coating, Aluminum, High Purity | Establishes the requirements for coating low alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, and titanium alloy parts with high purity aluminum (99 percent plus) | |
| Coatings (Electroless Nickel) | MIL-C-26074 | Coatings, Electroless Nickel Requirements For | Covers electroless (autocatalytic chemical reduction) deposition of nickel-phosphorous alloy coatings on metal and composite surface | S/S BY MIL-DTL-32119 AND SAE-AMS-C-26074 |
| Coatings (Phosphate and Black Oxide) | MIL-HDBK-205 | Phosphate And Black Oxide Coating Of Ferrous Metals | Provides a working knowledge of phosphate and black oxides coatings of ferrous metals as used by the Department of Defense for equipment and ordnance. | |
| Coatings (Phosphate, and Manganese) | DOD-P-16232 MIL-DTL-16232 | Phosphate Coatings, Heavy, Manganese Or Zinc Base (For Ferrous Metals) | Covers two types of heavy phosphate coating for ferrous metals, applied by immersion. The coatings consist of a manganese phosphate or zinc phosphate base and, when specified, a supplementary treatment | SUPERSEDES MIL-P-16232E |
| Coatings (Titanium and CRES) | MIL-C-85614 | Coating, Fastener (Titanium And Cres Alloys), Aluminum Pigmented, Organically Bonded (For All Threaded And Unthreaded Fasteners) | Covers the acceptance requirements for an aluminum pigmented, organically bonded coating applied to all threaded and unthreaded fasteners made from titanium and corrosion resistant steel alloys. | |
| Coatings (Zinc) | QQ-Z-325 | Zinc Coating, Electrodeposited, Requirements For | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited zinc coatings | S/S By ASTM-B633 |
| Coatings, Nickel (Electroless) | MIL-C-26074 MIL-DTL-26074 | Coatings, Electroless Nickel, Requirements For | Covers the requirements for medium and high phosphorous electroless (autocatalytic chemical reduction) deposition of nickel-phosphorous alloy coatings on metal and composite surface | S/S BY MIL-DTL-32119 AND SAE-AMS-C-26074 |
| Coatings, Phosphate | DOD-P-16232 | Phosphate Coatings, Heavy, Manganese Or Zinc Base (For Ferrous Metals) | Covers two types of heavy phosphate coating for ferrous metals, applied by immersion. The coatings consist of a manganese phosphate or zinc phosphate base and, when specified, a supplementary treatment | SUPERSEDES MIL-P-16232 S/S By MIL-DTL-16232G |
| Coatings, Protective (Non-flight NASA Equipment) | NASA-STD-5008 | Protective Coating Of Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, And Aluminum On Launch Structures, Facilities, And Ground Support Equipment | Covers the design of nonflight hardware used to support the operations of receiving, transportation, handling, assembly, inspection, test, checkout, service, and launch of space vehicles and payloads at NASA launch, landing, or retrieval sites. | |
| Coatings, Steel Or CRES (Black Oxide) | MIL-C-13924 | Coating, Oxide, Black, For Ferrous Metals | Covers black oxide coatings applied to ferrous metals (wrought iron, carbon, low alloy, and corrosion resistant steels). | |
| Finishes (Army Weapons) | MIL-STD-186 | Protective Finishing For Army Missile Weapon Systems | Establishes the minimum requirements for procedures, materials, and systems for cleaning, plating, painting and finishing metals, wood, electronic materials, parts and assemblies for rockets, guided missiles, and components to protect them from deter | |
| Finishes (Ground Equipment) | MIL-F-14072 MIL-DTL-14072 | Finishes For Ground Based Electronic Equipment | Covers requirements for finishes necessary to protect ground electronic equipment from the deteriorating effects of climatic conditions encountered in military us | |
| Finishes (Metal and Wood) | MIL-STD-171 | Finishing Of Metal And Wood Surfaces | Establishes general finish codes and serves as a general guide to the selection of suitable materials, procedures, and system for cleaning, plating, painting and finishing of metal and wood surfaces | |
| Finishes, Coatings, and Sealants (Aerospace) | MIL-STD-7179 | Finishes, Coatings, And Sealants, For The Protection Of Aerospace Weapons System | Establishes minimum requirements to be considered for finishes, protective coatings, and sealants used in the protection of aerospace weapons systems | |
| Finishes, Copper (Black) | MIL-F-495 | Finish, Chemical, Black, For Copper Alloys | Covers a black chemical finish for copper alloys. | |
| Lubricant, Dry Film | MIL-L-46010 MIL-PRF-46010 | Lubricant, Solid Film, Heat Cured, Corrosion Inhibiting | Covers corrosion inhibiting, heat cured, solid film lubricants, hereinafter referred to as "lubricants", for the reduction of wear and prevention of galling, corrosion, and seizure of metals | |
| Lubricant, Dry Film | MIL-L-8937 | Lubricant, Solid Film, Heat Cured, Corrosion Inhibiting, Nato Code Number S-1738 | Establishes requirements for a solid film lubricant intended to reduce wear and prevent galling, corrosion and seizure of metals | |
| Magnesium Alloys (Anodic Treatment) | MIL-M-45202 | Magnesium Alloys, Anodic Treatment Of | Covers the requirements for equipment, materials, and procedures to be used in anodic treatments for magnesium base alloys for the purpose of increasing their corrosion resistance or for producing surfaces suitable for the application of a protective | S/S BY ASTM-D1732 |
| Magnesium Alloys (Pretreatment) | MIL-M-3171 | Magnesium Alloy, Processes For Pretreatment And Prevention Of Corrosion On | Covers general requirements for the apparatus, material, and procedures to be used in the processing of magnesium base alloys for the purpose of increasing their corrosion resistance and by producing surfaces suitable for organic paint finish systems | |
| Passivation (CRES) | QQ-P-35 | Passivation Treatments For Corrosion-Resistant Steel | Covers the different types of passivation treatments, as well as recommendations, guidance, and precautions for cleaning and descaling corrosion-resistant parts, components, equipment, and systems. | S/S BY ASTM-A967 OR SAE-AMS-QQ-P-35 |
| Plating, Cadmium (Electrodeposited) | QQ-P-416 | Plating, Cadmium (Electrodeposited) | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited cadmium plating. | S/S BY SAE-AMS-QQ-P-416 |
| Plating, Cadmium (Electrodeposited) | QQ-C-320 | Plating, Cadmium (Electrodeposited) | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited chromium plating. | S/S BY SAE-AMS-QQ-C-320 |
| Plating, Cadmium (Low Embrittlement) | MIL-STD-870 | Cadmium Plating, Low Embrittlement, Electro-Deposition | Covers the process and materials required for the electro-deposition of cadmium on high strength steel substrates. | Cancelled with no superseding document |
| Plating, Cadmium-Titanium | MIL-STD-1500 | Cadmium-Titanium Plating, Low Embrittlement, Electrodeposition | Covers the process and materials required for the electrodepostion of cadmium-titanium on high strength steel substrates. | |
| Plating, Chromium (Decorative Or Hard-Plated) | QQ-C-320 | Chromium Plating (Electrodeposited) | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited chromium plating. | Supersedes MIL-P-6871 S/S By SAE-AMS-QQ-C-320 |
| Plating, Chromium (Low Embrittlement) | MIL-STD-1501 | Chromium Plating, Low Embrittlement, Electrodeposition | Covers the engineering requirements for electrodeposition of hard chromium on high strength steel substrates and the properties of deposit. | |
| Plating, Chromium g (Black) | MIL-C-14538 MIL-DTL-14538 | Chromium Plating, Black (Electrodeposited) | Covers electrodeposited black chromium finish. It is generally applied to steels but may be used as a plating for other metals such as brass, copper, iron and chromium | |
| Plating, Copper (Electrodeposited) | MIL-C-14550 | Copper Plating (Electrodeposited) | Covers electrodeposited copper plating on metal surfaces | S/S BY SAE-AMS2418] |
| Plating, Gold (Electrodeposited) | MIL-G-45204 MIL-DTL-45204 | Gold Plating, Electrodeposited | Covers electrodeposited gold plating on metallic surfaces | |
| Plating, Lead (Electrodeposited) | MIL-L-13808 | Lead Plating (Electrodeposited) | Covers electrodeposited lead plating applied to iron and steel, copper, and copper-rich surfaces. | |
| Plating, Nickel (Black) | MIL-P-18317 | Plating, Black Nickel (Electrodeposited) On Brass, Bronze, Or Steel | Covers one type, class, and grade of plating, black nickel (electrodeposited) for blackening brass, bronze and steel surfaces.. | |
| Plating, Nickel (Electrodeposited) | QQ-N-290 | Nickel Plating (Electrodeposited) | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited nickel plating on steel, copper and copper alloys, and zinc and zinc alloys. | S/S BY SAE-AMS-QQ-N-290 |
| Plating, Nickel (Sulfamate) | MIL-P-27418 | Plating, Soft Nickel Electro-Deposited, Sulfamate Bat | Covers the processes and requirements for soft nickel plating. | Cancelled with no superseding document |
| Plating, Palladium | MIL-P-45209 | Palladium Plating, (Electrodeposited) | Covers electrodeposited palladium plating on metal surfaces. | S/S BY ASTM-B679 |
| Plating, Rhodium (Electrodeposited) | MIL-R-46085 | Rhodium Plating, Electrodeposited | Covers the requirements for the electro-deposition of rhodium over metallic surface | Refer to ASTM-B634 |
| Plating, Silver (Electrodeposited) | QQ-S-365 | Silver Plating, Electrodeposited, General Requirements For | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited silver plate. | S/S BY ASTM-B700 |
| Plating, Tin | MIL-T-10727 | Tin Plating: Electrodeposited Or Hot-Dipped, For Ferrous And Nonferrous Metals | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited tin and hot-dipped tin coatings on ferrous and nonferrous metals | S/S BY ASTM-B545 and ASTM-B339 |
| Plating, Tin- Lead | MIL-P-81728 | Plating, Tin Lead (Electrodeposited) | Covers the requirements for electrodeposited tin-lead plating | S/S BY SAE-AMS-P-81728 |