Chem Film Coating for Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys

Chemical film is a protective coating that overcomes the poor adhesive qualities of aluminum and aluminum alloys. This undercoat provides protection and bonding capabilities to your substrate.

K&L Plating provides chemical film coating that adds an exceptional adhesion base for aluminum and alloys. That way, you can reliably add an organic coating to your aluminum or alloy application, or use it as a standalone coating.

NADCAP Certified Plating & Chemical Processing

We are NADCAP certified for two scopes of accreditation:

NADCAP AC7004 (Quality System Accreditation)
NADCAP AC7108 (Chemical Processing Accreditation)

Specifications

MIL-DTL-5541F Type I (Class 1A)
MIL-DTL-5541F Type I (Class 3)

MIL-DTL-5541F Type II (Class 1A)
MIL-DTL-5541F Type II (Class 3)

Get a Quote for Chem Film

Same day or next day quote
Expedited service often available
NADCAP certified processes

Request a Quote

Why Choose Chemical Film?

Our chemical film, applied through a chromate chemical conversion, adds a corrosion-resistant protective undercoating to aluminum and alloys. This film does not change the dimensions of the substrate, enabling you to remain within your tight tolerances. It allows you to paint or coat aluminum reliably, and in certain applications, can remain conductive to electricity.

Benefits of Chem Film Processing

Increased adhesion
Undercoat protection
Primer for organic coating
Retain electrical conductivity (Class 3 coating)

Common Film Applications

Aerospace: aluminum aircraft components
Defense/Military: base coat for CARC paint for tactical equipment, ordinance, & vehicles
Electronics: housing for electronic components
Maritime: protection from saltwater corrosion

The Chem Film Process

Our chemical film, also known by the trade names Alodine and Iridite, utilizes a chrome-based chemical reaction to protect aluminum and alloys. We can use both trivalent and hexavalent chromates, depending on specifications and your desired outcome. Through this process, we are able to provide two levels of coatings in either gold or clear. Class 1A provides a thick coating for maximum protection, and is best used bare or as a primer for paint or powder coating. The thinner Class 3 coating is best suited for electrical applications in which you want to retain electrical conductivity.

Chem Film Coating Classes & Types

Type I: Type I chem film uses hexavalent chromium for superior corrosion resistance. It forms a protective layer on aluminum surfaces, providing excellent durability and a slightly yellow appearance. This type is widely used for aerospace and defense applications due to its high-performance characteristics.

Type II: Type II chem film uses trivalent chromium as a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to Type I. It provides good corrosion protection while adhering to RoHS compliance standards. This coating typically appears clear or slightly blue and is ideal for industries prioritizing eco-conscious processes.

Class 1A: Class 1A chem film is designed for maximum corrosion protection on aluminum and aluminum alloys. It creates a thicker coating compared to Class 3, making it suitable for parts requiring high durability, such as those in military and industrial applications. Class 1A is often used as a standalone treatment or a base for subsequent coatings.

Class 3: Class 3 chem film provides lower electrical resistance while maintaining moderate corrosion resistance. It is typically used for electrical and electronic applications where conductivity is crucial, such as connectors and bonding surfaces. This class forms a thinner coating compared to Class 1A.

RoHS-Compliant

All of our plating and coating processes can conform to RoHS standards for environmentally-safer chemicals. If your application requires RoHS or any additional compliance standards in your industry, let us know and we can adjust our process to meet your needs.

on-site quality testing
Nothing leaves our door before undergoing rigorous testing.

On-site Laboratory Testing

All of our quality assurance (QA) testing is done in-house in our qualified laboratory, conforming to ASTM and MIL-SPEC standards. This internal QA assures that you receive quality, consistent work from us every time. We’ll work quickly to deliver your job on schedule or earlier, and offer same-day quotes and expedited turnaround if you need it.