About
Alloy Processing
Alloy Processing is recognized throughout the aerospace and defense industry for our quality, ability to process the largest and most complex parts, and comprehensive metal finishing solutions.
Since our founding in 1988, Alloy Processing has remained focused on the principles of quality and workmanship set forth in our mission statement: Alloy Processing is committed to total quality and excellence in workmanship. Every employee is committed to improving the way we accomplish our work assignments and meet our goals through “continuous improvement” of our processes and wise utilization of our valuable resources. We will ensure customer satisfaction with first time quality and superior “world class product”. Precision Castparts Corp. acquired Alloy Processing in March 2013.
We achieve quality with superior surface preparation, a CATIA-driven masking system, and an experienced workforce committed to excellence. We rinse, clean, and etch every metal surface using a system of matched chemistries to ensure reliable structural bonding and paint adhesion. Our masking system allows us to position reusable masking templates for precise processing of the most complex parts. And our dedicated employees ensure that your parts are processed accurately and efficiently every step of the way.
In response to increasing customer demand, we built and certified a state-of-the-art facility featuring some of the largest aluminum and titanium tanks in North America with corresponding NDI, shot peen, and paint facilities.
Capabilities
Pretreatment
One or more chemical processes are used to remove contaminants, impurities, and surface material to improve corrosion properties and prepare the surface for penetrant inspection and additional processing. Alloy Processing performs the following pre-treatments:
Non-Destructive Inspection
Liquid Penetrant Inspection
Liquid (or dye) penetrant inspection is used for detecting surface breaking flaws such as cracks or laps and folds in any non-absorbent surface. Surface flaws are easily identified using fluorescent penetrants under darkened conditions with UV lamps.
Hardness Testing
Each metal type has a required hardness level in its finished condition. Hardness testing is a method of testing to determine the hardness of a specific metal. The test is done by using a specially designed, calibrated, indenter that is pushed into the material. The resistance of the material is translated to a hardness value. The hardness value is directly correlated to the material's tensile strength.
Conductivity Inspection
Most materials have a unique conductivity value determined by their chemical composition and their respective manufacturing and processing method. Many specifications require a conductivity inspection to be performed to ensure the components are within the specified range for the material type from which the component is made.
Anodizing
Chromic Acid Anodizing
Chromic acid anodize is a vital process in providing additional surface protection to aircraft components. The process is a rapid, controlled oxidation of the aluminum surface. Aluminum, in its natural state, has a high resistance to atmospheric corrosion due to its thin layer of oxide. This film is thickened using the chromic acid anodize process. When finished, the component will have a gray, corrosion resistant coating.
Sulfuric Acid Anodizing
Sulfuric acid anodizing provides a similar level of protection to the aluminum surfaces as chromic acid anodizing but conforms to different process specifications.
Boric/Sulfuric Acid Anodize
Boric/sulfuric acid anodize is a direct replacement for chromic acid anodizing. It provides similar protection properties.
Tartaric Sulfuric Acid Anodize (TSA)
Another replacement for chromic acid anodize.
Chromate Conversion Coating (Chem Film)
Aluminum chromate conversion coatings (often referred to as chemical film, Alodine, Alocrom, or Iridite) are used where maximum protection from corrosion is required. Typical uses include: (1) As a primer to improve the adhesion of paints and adhesives, including the adhesives used to bond nut plates; (2) As a corrosion inhibitor on small areas that will to be left unpainted; (3) To preserve conductivity in electrical bond areas.
Painting and Coating
Primers
Primer increases the adhesion of the topcoat or paint to the material. Alloy Processing applies the following types:
Paint (Topcoat)
The topcoat is the final coating on a component. Alloy Processing applies the following types of paints:
Fuel Tank Coating
Fuel tank coatings are applied to the components used in the interior of a fuel tank and the fuel wetted areas of an aircraft. They are specifically designed to prevent corrosion in these harsh environments.
Solid Film Lubricants
Solid film lubricants are paint-like coatings of very fine particles of lubricating pigment blended with a binder and other additives. The lubricant is applied to a substrate by spray, dip or brush methods and, once cured, creates a solid film which repels water, reduces friction, and increases wear life of the substrate.
Sol-Gel
Sol-Gel is a chromate-free, metal oxide coating used on titanium and other metals to improve corrosion resistance. Alloy Processing applies sol-gel using dip, immersion, brushing, and spray processes.
Thermal Spray
Thermal spray allows high performance coating applications of materials such as metals, alloys, ceramics, and carbides to be applied to relatively easy-to-work and more economical base materials. The results significantly improve component resistance to wear, heat, oxidation, and corrosion. To complete our thermal spray offering, Alloy Processing offers stripping, precision grinding, and superfinishing services.
Shot Peen
Treatment and Forming
Shot peening is used to work-harden metal to increase its fatigue life. Alloy Processing operates high speed shot peen equipment with forming capabilities.
Engineering
Full CATIA Capability
Our engineering professionals use CATIA and Enovia for all our MBD (model-based definition) components.
Custom and Special Masking Capabilities
We specialize in complex masking. Nothing is too big or complex for our experienced staff and CATIA-based system. Our motto is, "There are no problems, only solutions"
Part Marking
As the last step in the component manufacturing, we can provide any specified part marking requirements on the component.
Capacities
Chemical Processing
Processing tanks up to 50 ft x 12 ft x 4 ft (15m x 3.6m x 1.2m).
Shot Peen
We handle parts sizes up to 50 ft x 20 ft (15m x 6m)
Nondestructive Inspection
Our NDT inspection booth will fit parts up to 50 ft (15m)
Prime and Paint
Our painting booth allows us to prime and topcoat parts up to 50 ft (15m)
Delivery Services
Expedite
Immediate service is available, and charges vary according to current backlog in required services
Pickup and Delivery
Available in Los Angeles and Orange Counties: Anaheim - Buena Park - Burbank - City of Industry - Gardena - Glendale - Irvine - Long Beach - Los Angeles - Pasadena - San Fernando Valley - San Gabriel Valley - Santa Ana - Sun Valley
