Outside Coatings
Resolute Precision Manufacturing coordinates surface coating and finishing for precision machined components through our qualified outside coating network. Anodize, black oxide, zinc plating, electroless nickel, and passivation we manage scheduling, shipping, quality inspection, and documentation so you receive fully finished, coated, ready-to-install parts from a single purchase order. Request a QuoteWhy Coating Coordination Matters
A machined part that requires coating before installation must travel from machine shop to coating house and back before it reaches your dock. That transit adds lead time, shipping cost, damage risk, and communication overhead. When you manage the coating process yourself, you are managing two supplier relationships, two purchase orders, and two points of potential quality escape for what should be a single procurement transaction.
Resolute Precision coordinates all coating operations as part of your machined part program. We ship to our approved coating suppliers, receive coated parts back, perform incoming inspection against your drawing requirements, and ship to you. Your parts arrive coated, inspected, and ready to install.
Our Services
Coating Processes We Coordinate
Our outside coating program covers the most common protective and decorative coatings for precision machined components:
Anodize — Type II (decorative) and Type III (hard coat) anodizing for aluminum components
Black oxide — iron oxide conversion coating for steel and stainless steel components
Zinc plating — electrodeposited zinc for corrosion protection on steel fasteners and components
Electroless nickel — uniform nickel-phosphorus deposit on complex geometry and blind features
Passivation — citric acid and nitric acid passivation of stainless steel for corrosion resistance
Custom coatings — customer-specified coatings coordinated through our supplier network on request
Specifications
| Anodize | Type II (0.0002″–0.001″ build) and Type III hard coat (0.001″–0.002″ build); all colors available |
| Black Oxide | Steel and stainless steel; minimal dimensional change (0.0001″ or less) |
| Zinc Plating | Clear, yellow, and black chromate finishes; typical deposit thickness of 0.0002″–0.0005″ |
| Electroless Nickel | Mid-phosphorus (6–9% P) standard; high-phosphorus option for maximum corrosion resistance; uniform coating on complex geometries |
| Passivation | Citric acid (AMS 2700) or nitric acid (AMS QQ-P-35) processes per specification |
| Specifications | MIL-A-8625 (anodizing), AMS 2700 (passivation), ASTM B633 (zinc plating), ASTM B733 (electroless nickel) |
| Dimensional Impact | Anodizing and electroless nickel add coating thickness; black oxide and passivation produce little to no measurable dimensional change |
| Documentation | Coating certifications and dimensional reports provided with finished parts |
| ISO | ISO 9001:2015; outside suppliers qualified under RPM’s approved vendor procedures |
Designing for Coating
Our engineers advise on coating design considerations during quoting. Key points for each process:
Anodize: machine to pre-anodize dimension; Type III hard coat builds 0.001″ and removes 0.001″ — net change approximately zero but tolerance must accommodate
Zinc plating: plate build-up of 0.0002″–0.0005″ must be accommodated on mating features; internal threads typically plated before tapping
Electroless nickel: very uniform deposit — blind holes and complex cavities coat evenly; allow deposit thickness on tight OD features
Passivation: no dimensional change — purely a surface treatment to improve corrosion resistance of stainless parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RPM offer in-house anodizing or coating?
We coordinate coating through our qualified outside supplier network. The coating operations themselves are performed by specialist coating facilities. RPM manages the process end-to-end so you deal with one supplier.
Can RPM mask specific surfaces during coating?
Yes. We coordinate selective masking plugs in threaded holes, tape on precision bearing surfaces, stop-off on mating faces to protect dimensional features during the coating process. Masking requirements are documented on the order traveler.
What is the lead time for coated parts?
Coating adds one to two weeks to machined part lead time for most standard processes. We schedule coating in parallel with any other outside operations where possible to minimize total elapsed time.
Can RPM provide a single certificate of conformance for machined and coated parts?
Yes. Our certificate of conformance covers all operations performed machining and coating with the coating supplier’s certification referenced and attached.