Military/Defense Plating
The ability to withstand the effects of temperature extremes, near-constant use, high speed, friction, and other forces encountered in combat and service environments is a requirement of mil-spec platings and other military equipment. To accomplish this, most materials—and especially metals—must be coated in metal finishing in a reliable, uniform manner. An effective military coating that meets military plating specifications must address numerous issues, including:
- Conductivity
- Insulation
- Hardness
- Ruggedness
- Oxygen Deprivation and/or Saturation
- Chemical & Caustic Environment Exposure
- And More
Mil-Spec at a Glance
Military standards are often referred to as “MIL-STD”, “MIL-SPEC” or “MilSpecs.” They are used to identify standardization objectives by the Department of Defense. These standards are meant to provide a script for what is accepted by the United States Military and Defense departments within their contracted projects. Military specifications have also carried over into the civilian world where military specifications are used frequently as a company’s set standard of practice. MilSpecs maintain many important standardization benefits, including:
- Ensures products meet certain requirements
- Interoperability
- Reliability
- Commonality
- Compatibility with Logistics Systems
- Cost of Ownership
- Other Defense-Related Objectives
Military Plating Specifications
Since it is not practical or reasonable to simply apply a given material to a substrate, the military has developed several specific standards and formulas that must be strictly adhered to when providing metal finishing and plating services. These Mil-Specs, are numerous and complex, with a variety of classifications, and sub-classifications for each specification. The military plating specifications that we utilize with our advanced plating technology, include:
- MIL-C-26074 E Electroless Nickel Plating
- FED QQ-N-290A Sulfamate Nickel Plating
- FED QQ-P-416F Cadmium Plating
- MIL-G-45204C Gold Plating
- MIL-C-14550B Copper Plating
- MIL-T-10727C Electroplated Tin
- FED QQ-S-365D Silver Plating
- MIL-DTL-5541F Chemical Film
- FED QQ-P-35C Passivation
Mil-Spec standards have evolved over the decades to ensure proper performance under often-brutal conditions. Cadmium plating, silver plating, and other processes must meet Mil-Spec if they are to be employed as a military coating.
MIL-C-26074 E Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless nickel plating is a unique plating process that does not require an outside source of electrons for deposition compared to traditional electrolytic plating. Instead, electroless nickel is deposited by a chemical reaction/reduction. Since there is no applied current during electroless nickel plating, the deposit is free from common high-current density issues caused by traditional electrolytic deposits. We are able to cover even extremely complex geometries with outstanding uniformity with our electroless nickel plating process.
Overall Effectiveness of Military Plating Specifications
The specifications for Mil-Spec platings have proven so effective that they have become the standard by which other industries measure their products. Military plating specifications have helped lead to significant advancements in civilian-applied technology, including those used in medical, telecom, electronics, and other industries.
Contact ENS Technology Today
From electroless nickel plating to chemical film deposition, ENS Technology has the capabilities to deliver a wide range of Mil-Spec platings that meet military standards. With a state-of-the-art facility and strict quality control criteria, we produce reliable, uniform coatings for several ferrous and non-ferrous alloys and thermoplastics.
For advanced plating technology and coatings that meet military plating specifications, look no further than ENS Technology. Contact us today to learn more or to start your project.
