Choosing the Right Aerospace Finishing Process

Selecting the correct aerospace finishing process directly impacts your bottom line and the lifespan of your parts. High-quality finishing extends service life, keeps components in spec, and protects your budget over the long term.

At National Aerospace Processing (NAP), we work with Tier 1 and Tier 2 OEM manufacturers to match finishing processes to program requirements. This guide breaks down the most common aerospace finishing options, their cost-performance tradeoffs, and how to align your selection with production goals.

Why Finishing Choices Matter in Aerospace Manufacturing

More than just a surface treatment, aerospace finishing is a functional requirement. The right finish guards components against extreme heat, chemical exposure, mechanical stress, and other types of operational and environmental wear.

Beyond performance, aircraft finishing choices also impact program cost in ways that are easy to underestimate. Upfront process costs are only part of the equation—rework rates, inspection frequency, and service life outcomes all factor into the total cost. And once you figure in compliance, choosing the right aerospace finish can be daunting. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a certified metal finishing company that can help you choose the correct finish for your needs.

Common Aerospace Finishing Processes and Their Cost-Performance Profiles

Different metal finishing techniques offer varying levels of protection and cost. Understanding the strengths of each method helps you specify the most efficient treatment for your program.

Anodizing and Conversion Coatings

Anodizing is a highly effective way to protect aluminum and certain metal components. It creates a protective oxide surface layer, improving corrosion resistance and enhancing paint adhesion. Anodizing carries a moderate upfront cost with strong long-term value since it greatly increases part life. Conversion coatings like ChemFilm offer a cost-effective complement or alternative to anodizing by improving corrosion resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity for critical applications.

Shot Peening and Surface Enhancements

Surface enhancements (like shot peening, airblast, and wheelblast) improve the structural integrity of aerospace parts by striking surfaces with media under controlled conditions. These processes help prevent cracks from forming and spreading. Surface enhancements carry a mid-range cost relative to chemical finishing but deliver strong lifecycle value for fatigue-critical components.

Passivation

Passivation removes free iron and other surface contaminants from aerospace components, creating a purified oxide layer that improves corrosion resistance and performance. It is typically performed per AMS 2700 or ASTM A967 and is often a contractual requirement for stainless steel components in aerospace assemblies. Passivation is one of the lower-cost aircraft finishing processes, but the value it provides is high for stainless steel parts.

Aligning Your Program Requirements with NAP’s Aerospace Finishing Services

Finding a reliable metal polishing company and finishing partner simplifies your supply chain. National Aerospace Processing provides the exact treatments your components need to meet OEM specifications.

Selecting the Right Finish Based on Part Function and Environment

A landing gear component needs different protection than a cabin interior part. Our team looks at the exact function of your parts to help you match the base material and environmental risks with the most effective surface treatment. This ensures you don’t overpay for unnecessary processing – or under-protect critical components.

Matching Volume, Turnaround, and Part Size to NAP’s Capacity

Production delays cost money. NAP has the facility footprint to handle a wide range of part sizes, so whether you need high-volume processing or specialized treatments, we can scale our operations to meet your deadlines. Our efficient turnaround times help keep your assembly lines moving.

Leveraging NAP’s Certifications and Quality Systems

Quality is not optional in aerospace metal finishing. NAP maintains the certifications required to support Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace supply chains, including NADCAP AC7004 and AS9100. Our robust quality systems are built to capture full process traceability, from incoming material through final inspection and shipping documentation.

Customized Finishing Solutions

Standard processes do not always solve unique engineering problems. When your program requires a specific approach, NAP works with your engineering team to develop custom finishing solutions that meet your exact performance goals.

Achieve Optimal ROI with NAP

Balancing quality and cost is easier when you have the right partner. NAP delivers reliable surface treatments that protect your parts and your budget, helping you improve component longevity and reduce overall program costs.