The Stakes in Aerospace and Defense Finishing

Metal finishing for aerospace and defense is a different category of work entirely. The components being finished often operate in extreme environments, under mechanical stress, at high temperatures, or in conditions where corrosion, wear, or electrical failure would have serious consequences. The specifications governing these finishes are some of the most exacting in any industry, and the supplier applying them must be able to demonstrate not just capability, but verified, documented compliance.

The Lindgren Group has spent decades earning the trust of aerospace and defense customers through two facilities, Avtec Finishing Systems in New Hope, MN and Nico Products in Minneapolis, MN. Both facilities are Nadcap accredited, ITAR registered, and ISO certified, with finishing capabilities that span the full range of processes required by today’s most demanding aerospace and defense programs.

Aerospace Metal Finishing Services

The Lindgren Group provides aerospace metal finishing services for commercial, industrial, and military aerospace applications. Our customers include Lockheed Martin, Goodrich Aerospace, and General Dynamics, among many others. Our finishing processes support everything from structural airframe components and engine parts to avionics housings, connectors, and fasteners.

Aerospace finishes serve a range of functional purposes including corrosion protection, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal management, and paint adhesion. Selecting the right finish requires an understanding of the substrate, the operating environment, the applicable specification, and the downstream manufacturing process. Our team brings that technical depth to every aerospace finishing engagement.

Chromate Conversion Coating for Aerospace

Chromate conversion coating is one of the most widely used surface treatments in aerospace manufacturing. Applied primarily to aluminum alloys, it provides excellent corrosion resistance and serves as an effective primer adhesion layer for subsequent paint or coating systems. It also preserves the electrical conductivity of the base metal, making it a preferred choice for aerospace structures where bonding and grounding performance must be maintained.

The Lindgren Group offers chromate conversion coating in compliance with MIL-DTL-5541 and other applicable aerospace specifications, with full traceability and Nadcap-compliant process controls at both facilities.

Passivation for Aerospace Components

Passivation is a chemical treatment applied to stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys to remove free iron and other surface contaminants that can accelerate corrosion. In aerospace applications, passivation is commonly required for fasteners, fittings, hydraulic components, and precision machined parts that will be exposed to moisture, fuel, or other corrosive media.

Our passivation services are performed in compliance with AMS 2700, ASTM A967, and other applicable specifications, with documented process controls and test records to support your quality requirements.

Phosphate Coating for Aerospace and Defense

Phosphate coatings are widely used in aerospace and defense applications for corrosion resistance, paint adhesion, and lubricity. Manganese phosphate is commonly applied to steel components in defense applications to reduce wear and provide a base for lubricant retention. Zinc phosphate is used as a paint primer adhesion layer across a wide range of structural components.

The Lindgren Group offers phosphate coating and finishing for aerospace and defense customers, with process controls and documentation compliant with MIL-DTL-16232, MIL-DTL-9741, and other applicable specifications.

Defense Coatings and Finishing

Defense finishing requirements are among the most rigorous in any industry. Components destined for military platforms must meet stringent performance specifications, survive harsh operational environments, and be processed by suppliers who have the compliance infrastructure to support defense supply chain requirements.

The Lindgren Group’s defense coating and finishing capabilities are backed by ITAR registration, Nadcap accreditation, and a Federal Firearms License, giving defense customers a verified, compliant finishing source for components ranging from small precision parts to large structural elements. Our experience supporting defense programs spans ground vehicles, aircraft, missile systems, weapons components, and defense electronics.

Aerodynamic and Structural Component Finishing

Aerodynamic surfaces and structural components in both aerospace and defense applications require finishes that protect against corrosion, withstand mechanical stress, and maintain dimensional integrity over the service life of the part. The Lindgren Group’s aerospace metal finishing processes are engineered to meet these requirements, with tight process controls and full specification traceability on every lot.

Power Supply and Bus Bar Finishing for Aerospace and Defense

Electrical power distribution is a critical function in both aerospace platforms and defense systems. Bus bars and power supply components require metal coatings that protect against corrosion while maintaining the electrical conductivity essential for reliable power delivery in high-current applications.

The Lindgren Group provides specialized finishing services for electrical bus bars and power supply components, including tin, silver, and other conductive coatings that meet the performance requirements of aerospace and defense power distribution systems. Our experience in this application area makes us a trusted partner for customers building power systems for aviation, defense electronics, and electrified vehicle platforms.

Full Finishing Capabilities Across Both Facilities

The Lindgren Group’s two Minnesota facilities together offer dozens of chemical processes and plating options for aerospace and defense customers, making us a true one-stop finishing source for complex programs with multiple finish requirements. Whether your project calls for chromate conversion, passivation, phosphate, gold plating, anodizing, electroless nickel, or other specialty finishes, we have the process capability and the certification credentials to deliver.

Our complete finishing capabilities are available across both facilities, with each facility maintaining its own Nadcap accreditation and quality systems to support aerospace and defense customers who require dual-source or backup supplier qualification.

Request a Quote for Aerospace or Defense Metal Finishing

If your program requires a Nadcap accredited, ITAR registered metal finishing supplier in Minnesota with proven aerospace and defense experience, The Lindgren Group is ready to support your requirements. Our team understands the specifications, the documentation requirements, and the quality standards your program demands.

Request a quote or contact our team to discuss your aerospace or defense finishing needs. Where quality finishes first.