What industries does Aalberts Surface Technologies serve? We serve mission-critical industries including Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Medical, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Mining, Hydraulics, and the Printing industry.
What is the relationship between Steel Goode Products and Aalberts? Steel Goode Products (SGP) is a specialized division within the Aalberts family, focusing heavily on thermal spray coatings (HVOF, Spray & Fuse) and precision finishing services like grinding and lapping.
Where are your facilities located? We have a nationwide footprint with facilities in Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Texas (SGP location), serving customers with regional logistics advantages.
Do you handle both prototypes and high-volume production? Yes. We are equipped to handle single R&D prototype parts as well as high-volume production runs for OEMs.
What is your standard turnaround time? Standard processing is typically 15 business days. However, we offer expedited services (48 hours) for urgent breakdowns or critical equipment needs.
Are you ISO certified? Yes. Our facilities operate under strict quality management systems, holding certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949 (automotive), and AS9100 (aerospace).
Fluoropolymer Coatings (PTFE, FEP, PFA)
What are the main benefits of fluoropolymer coatings? They provide a unique combination of low friction (lubricity), chemical resistance, non-stick properties, and corrosion protection.
What is the difference between PTFE, FEP, and PFA?
PTFE: Best for dry lubrication and high heat (up to 500°F).
FEP: Excellent chemical resistance and non-stick properties; creates a non-porous film.
PFA: Combines the durability of FEP with the high-temperature tolerance of PTFE.
Can fluoropolymer coatings prevent galvanic corrosion? Yes. They act as a dielectric insulator, preventing the flow of electrical current between dissimilar metals, which stops galvanic corrosion.
Do you offer FDA-compliant coatings? Yes. We apply specific fluoropolymer systems that meet FDA 21 CFR regulations for food contact, suitable for food processing equipment like hoppers and chutes.
Can you coat fasteners without ruining the threads? Yes. We apply precision thin-film coatings (0.0005″–0.001″) that protect fasteners while maintaining thread geometry and ensuring consistent torque tension.
What is Xylan® coating? Xylan® is a brand of fluoropolymer coating known for its durability and lubrication. We apply Xylan and other proprietary blends to meet specific wear and friction requirements.
What is the maximum operating temperature for these coatings? Most fluoropolymers can withstand continuous use up to 500°F (260°C), with some specialized blends tolerating intermittent spikes above that.
What is High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF)? HVOF is a thermal spray process that propels molten particles at supersonic speeds. This creates an extremely dense, hard coating with high bond strength, ideal for severe wear and corrosion environments.
What HVOF systems do you use? We utilize industry-leading systems like the JP-5000™ and Jet Kote™, known for producing premium quality carbide and alloy coatings.
What is the “Spray and Fuse” process? Unlike standard thermal spray, “Spray and Fuse” involves applying a coating and then heating the part (fusing) to melt the coating into the substrate. This creates a true metallurgical bond, making the coating non-porous and extremely impact-resistant.
How does Spray and Fuse differ from standard metallizing? Standard metallizing relies on a mechanical bond (grip). Spray and Fuse creates a welded (metallurgical) bond, which is far superior for parts facing high impact or extreme abrasion.
Can thermal spray replace hard chrome plating? Yes. HVOF Tungsten Carbide is a proven, environmentally friendly alternative to hard chrome. It offers better wear resistance and eliminates the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
What materials can you apply via thermal spray? We apply a wide range of materials including Tungsten Carbide, Chrome Carbide, Stainless Steel, Bronze, Monel, Hastelloy, and Ceramics.
Does thermal spray cause heat distortion? Standard processes (like HVOF and Plasma) keep the substrate relatively cool (usually under 300°F), preventing warpage. “Spray and Fuse” requires higher heat, so part geometry must be considered.
What is the primary benefit of thermal spray for oil and gas components? It significantly extends the life of components like gate valves, mandrels, and downhole tools by protecting them from abrasive drilling muds and corrosive sour gas (H2S).
Do you offer grinding services for coated parts? Yes. We provide both Surface Grinding and Cylindrical Grinding. Since thermal spray coatings are often rough and hard, diamond grinding is essential to achieve tight dimensional tolerances.
What is Lapping and why is it used? Lapping is a precision finishing process used to achieve an extremely flat surface and a high-quality surface finish (low Ra). It is critical for sealing surfaces that must be leak-proof, such as mechanical seals and valves.
What is “Superfinishing”? Superfinishing is a refinement of the grinding process that creates a mirror-like finish. It removes the microscopic peaks left by grinding, improving the part’s wear life and sealing capability.
Can you restore a part to its original dimensions (“Print Dimensions”)? Yes. We can undercut a worn part, build it back up with thermal spray, and then grind it back to the exact original OEM specifications (“remack” or salvage).
What is Electrolytic Stripping? This is a method of removing old coatings from a part using an electric current in a chemical bath. It effectively strips the coating without damaging the base metal substrate.
Do you offer blasting services? Yes. We offer abrasive blasting both as a surface preparation step for coatings and as a standalone service for cleaning, rust removal, and surface texturing.
CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating)
What is CARC paint? CARC stands for Chemical Agent Resistant Coating. It is a military-grade paint designed to resist chemical, biological, and radioactive agents, allowing vehicles to be easily decontaminated.
Does CARC provide infrared (IR) protection? Yes. CARC pigments are engineered for IR signature management, which helps camouflage military assets against enemy night-vision and heat-seeking detection.
Do you meet military specifications for CARC? Yes. We adhere to strict MIL-SPEC requirements (e.g., MIL-DTL-53072) for primer application, topcoat thickness, and cure verification.
Can you apply CARC to commercial vehicles? While primarily a military product, the technology can be applied to other equipment requiring extreme chemical resistance and a non-reflective matte finish.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
What is PVD coating? PVD is a vacuum process that deposits extremely thin, hard films (like Titanium Nitride). It is used to extend the life of cutting tools and molds by reducing friction and wear.
Does PVD change part dimensions? No. The coating is typically only 1–4 microns thick, meaning it adds durability without requiring you to alter your part’s design or tolerances.
What is DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)? DLC is a premium PVD coating that offers extreme hardness and a very low coefficient of friction, closely mimicking the properties of natural diamond.
Anilox Rolls & Printing
What is an anilox roll? It is a ceramic-coated cylinder used in flexographic printing to transfer ink. The quality of the ceramic coating and the laser engraving directly impacts print quality.
How do you clean clogged anilox rolls? We use multiple methods including ultrasonic cleaning and laser cleaning to safely remove dried ink from the microscopic cells without damaging the ceramic.
Can you refurbish old anilox rolls? Yes. We can mechanically strip the old ceramic, re-spray a new ceramic layer, and re-engrave the cell pattern to restore the roll to like-new condition.
Quality Control & Logistics
How do you verify coating thickness? We use advanced metrology, including magnetic gauges, eddy current testing, and cross-section microscopy to ensure every part meets the specified thickness requirements.
What is Salt Spray Testing? It is an accelerated corrosion test (ASTM B117) where parts are exposed to saline mist. We use it to validate that our coatings meet the required corrosion resistance hours.
Can you ship parts directly to my customer? Yes. We can provide “drop shipping” services using your branding or plain packaging to streamline your logistics and reduce shipping costs.
Do you have robotic application capabilities? Yes. Especially for thermal spray, we utilize multi-axis robotics to apply coatings. This ensures perfect repeatability and uniform thickness, which manual application cannot guarantee.
What is the largest part size you can handle? Our capacities vary by facility, but our large thermal spray booths and grinding equipment can handle large industrial components like turbine shafts, large hydraulic rams, and rolls. (Contact specific location for exact dimensions).
