Military Plating Specifications

PROCESS MIL.SPEC THICKNESS COMMENTS

BLACK CHROME MIL-C-14538 . .
As specified on drawing Color is a dull gray, approaching black.
The Black Chrome surface may be waxed ot oiled to It shall approximate color plate 37038 of Fed Std No. 595
darken the surface.

BLACK OXIDE COATING MIL-C-13924 . .

A uniform black coating for ferrous metals. Mostly a No dimensional range For moving parts which cannot tolerate the dimensional change of a more
decorative coating. Only very limited corrosion corrosion resistant finish. For decorative applications and can be used to
protection under mild corrosion conditions. decrease light reflection.
Class 1 Alkaline oxdizing. For wrought iron, cast and malleable irons, plain carbon
and low alloy steels.
Black oxide coatings should normally be given a Class 3 Fused salt oxidizing. For corrosion resistant steel alloys which are
supplemental treatment (i.e. oil displacement per MIL- tempered at 900°F (482°C) or higher.
C-16173 Grade 3 or protection treatments of MIL-C-
16173).
Class 4 Alkaline oxidizing. For 300 series corrosion resistant steel alloys only.

CADMIUM QQ-P-416 . .
Bright silvery white. Supplementary treatment for Type Type I No Supplementary treatment
II can be golden, irdescent, amber, black, olive drab.
Corrosion resistance is very good, especially with Type Type II Supplementary chromate treatment
II finish. Type II shall show no surface corrosion Type III Supplementary phosphate treatment
products after 96 hours (5%) salt spray exposure.
Partrs with hardness greater than 40-Rc shall be
stressed relieved before cleaning and plating. Parts
subject to flexure (springs, etc.) over Rc-40 hardness,
shall be given a 375° +- 25°F post bake.
Salt-Spray Test
Type II Class 1 Test Period for White Corrosion Class 1 0005 min Type II best for corrosion resistance
Products (Hours) 96 Hours
Class 2 0003 min Type III is used as a paint base. Excellent for plating stainless steels that
are to be used in conjuction with aluminium to prevent galvanic corrosion
Class 3 0002 min

CHEMICAL FILMS MIL-C-5541 . .

Materials qualified produce coatings that range in color Class 1A Class 1A chemical conversion coatings are intended to provide corrosion
from clear to iridescent yellow or brown. Inspection prevention when left unpainted as well as to improve adhesionof paint
difficulties may arise with clear coatings because visual finish systems on aluminum and aluminum alloys. May be used on tanks,
inspection does not reveal the presence of a coating. tubings, and components structures where paint finishes are mot required
for the exterior surfaces but are required for the interior surfaces.
Class 3 Class 3 chemical conversion coatings are intended for use as corrosion
preventative film for electrical and electronic applications where lower
resistant contacts, releative Class 1A coatings, and anodic coatings wil
MIL-A-, are required. Th eprimary difference bewteen a Class 1A and
Class 3 coating is thickness

CHEMICAL FINISH; BLACK MIL-C-495 . .

A uniform black corrosion retardant for copper. Coating
has no abrasion resistance.

CHROME QQ-C-320 . .
Excellent hardness (Rc 68-74), wear resistant and Type I Bright.
erosion resistance. Has low coefficient of friction, and
is resistant to heat. In addition to above properties, can Type II Satin.
be rendered porous for lubrication purposes Class 1 00001 min on all visible surfaces Corrosion protection plating
Class 2 As specified on drawing. If Engineering plating
thickness not specified, min
thickness shall be 002
Post bake at A89° for 3 hours or as specified Class 2a Plated to Specified dimensions or processsed to Specified dimensions after
plating
Shot peening and post baking not required Class 2b Parts below Rockwell C40 and subject to static loads or designed for
limited life under dynamic loads
Shot peen per MIL-S-13165 or MIL-R-8141 Class 2c Parts below Rockwell C40 and subject to unlimited life under dynamic
loads
Post bake at 375° +- 25° for 3 hours Class 2d Parts have hardness of Rockwell C40 or above and subject to static loads
or designed for limited life under dynamic loads.
Shot peen before plating. Post bake at 375° +- 25° for Class 2e Parts have hardness of Rockwell C40 or above and designed for unlimited
3 hours life under dynamic loads.

CHROMIC ANODIZE MIL-A-8625 . .

Color will cary from light gray to dark gray depending Type 1A .00002" - .00007" Conventional coating produced from chromic acid bath. Unless otherwise
on alloy. Not as readily died as sulfuric anodize. specified, coating wil be sealed. Metal salt sealants should not be used on
items that will be painted.
New salt spray requirements is 336 hours (5% solution Type 1B Class 1 Low voltage chromimic acid anodizing 20V Non-dyed (Natural including
per method B-117 of ASTM) dichromate seatings).
Minimum weight for Type I coatings: Class 1 200 Class 2 Dyed Shall not be applied to alumium alloys with over 5.0% copper, 7%
Miligrams sq ft. Class 2 600 Milligrams sq ft. Because silicon or total alloying constitution over 7.5%. When Copper content is less
of thiness will scratch easily. Can be used for than 4.6% and for all suitable castings alloys be sure alumium is tempered
inspection of aluminum forgings or castings by noting (such as -T4 or -T6).
evidence of chromic acid bleed out from taps, cracks,
seams, etc.

COPPER MIL-C-14550 . .
Copper in color and matte to a very shiny finish. Good Unless otherwise specified
corrosion resitance when used as undercoat. A
number of copper processes are available, each Class 0 .001 - .005" For heat treatment stop-off
designed for a specific purpose. Brightness (to Class 1 .001" For carburizing and decarburizing shield, also plated through printed circuit
eliminate the need for buffing); High speed (for Class 2 boards
electroforming); fine grain (to prevent casehardening);
etc. Class 3 .0005"
Class 4 .0002" .0001"

ELECTROLESS NICKEL MIL-C-26074 . .

Similar to stainless steel in color. Plates uniformly in Unless otherwise specified
recesses and cavities (does not build up on edges)
Corrosion resistance is good for coating over .001" Class 1 Fe and Al alloys will be grade A As coated
thickness. Electroless nickel is used extensively in Class 2 Steel and other base metals heat treatable to improve hardness
salvage of mis-machines parts. Also, for inside
dimensions and irregular shapes (where assembly Class 3 Cu,Ni, Co alloys will be Grade B Aluminum and other base metals not heat treatable
tolerances need uniformily provided by 'electroless" Class 4 Aluminum alloy , heat treatable, processd to improve adheasion of the
process).
nickel deposit
Class A .0015" min
Class B .0005" min

GOLD MIL-G-45204 . .
Yellow to orange color depending on proprietary Unless otherwise specified
process used. Will range from mattle to bright finish
depending on basis metal. Good corrosion resistance, Type I 99.7% gpld min
and has high tarnish resistance. Provides a low Type II 99.0% gold min
contact resistance, and is a good conductor. Has
excellent solderability Type III 99.9% gold min
Class 00 .00002" min Grade A 90 Knoop max
Class 0 .00003" min Grade B 91-129 Knoop
Class 1 .00005" min Grade C 130-200 Knoop
Class 2 .00010" min Grade D 201 Knoop and over
Class 3 .00020" min
Class 4 .00030" min Type I (Grade A, B, or C)
Class 5 .00050" min Type II (Grade B, C, or D)
Class 6 .00150" min Type III (Grade A only)

HAE MIL-M-45202 . .
A corrosion, heat, and abrasion-resistant coating for Type 1 Increase per side Light coating
magnesium. Suitable for use on all forms and alloys of
magnesium. The color of HAE shall be lustreless Class A .0001" - .0002" Tan coating
brown and within range from number3010to 3035 of Grade 1 Without post treatment
specification TT-C-595. The coating shall be able to
withstand a 20% alt spray exposure of 196 hours. Grade 2 With Bifluoride-didriomate treatment
Class C .0001" - .0005" Light green coating
Type II Heavy coating
Class A .0013" - .0017" Hard brown coating
Grade 1 Without post treatment
Grade 3 With bifluoride-dichromate seal
Grade 4 With bifluoride-dichromate seal and moist heat aging
Grade 5 Double application of Grade 4 post treatment
Class D .0009" - .0016" Dark green coating *

HARD ANODIZE MIL-A-8625 . .

Color will vary from light tan to black depending on Type III As specified on drawing. If not Most aluminum alloys depending on process used. Where maximium
alloy and thickness. Can be dyed in darker colors specified normal thickness shall serviceability or special properties are required, consult metal finisher for
depending on thickness. Coating PENETRATES base be 0.002" best alloy choice. Thick coatings (over .004") will tend to break down sharp
metal as mush as builds up on the surface. The term edges. Typical applications, hydraulic cylinders, wear surfaces, actualic
THICKNESS includes both buildup and the cylinders, wear surfaces, actuating cama, etc. Can be used instead of
penetration. provides very hard ceramic type coating. conventional anodixe for corrosion resistance and may be more
Abrasion resistance will vary with alloy and thickness economical in conjuction with other hard anodized areas.
of coating goo dielectric properties. Corrosion
resistance is good, but recommend seal hard anodize Class 1 Non-dyed
in 5% dichromate solution where increased corrosion Class 2 Dyed
abrasion resistance is required. Where extreme
abrasion resistance is required do not seal as some
softening is encountered.

LUBRICANT, SOLID FILM MIL-L-8937 . .

Used to prevent galling and seizure of metals. Unless otherwise specified For sliding motion applications such as plain and spherical bearingsm flap
Lubricant covered by this specification is intended for tracks, hinges, threads, cam surfaces, etc. Do not use on materials
use on aluminum, copper, steel and stainless steel, .0002" - .0005" adversely affected by exposure to temperatures of 300 F for 1 hour - on
titanium, and chromium and nickel bearing surfaces. bearings containing rolling elements - or where tehre is potential contact
Useful where conventional lubricants are difficult to with liquid oxygen
apply or retain or where other lubricants may be easily
contameasily contaminated. cured lubricant film is
highly resistant to conventional fluid lubricants.

NICKEL QQ-N-290 . .
There is a nickel finish for almost any need. Nickel can Total thickness of copper and NOTE: All steel parts having a tensile strength of 220,000 or greater shal
be deposited soft or hard - dul or bright, depending on nickel not be nickel plated without specific approval of procuring agency. For
processed used and conditions employed in plating. Corrosion protection
Thus hardness can range from 15-500 Vickers. Can be Class 1
similar to stainless steel in color, or can be a dull gray Grade A .0016"
or light gray (almost white) color. Corosion resistance
is a function of thickness. Has a low coeffecient of Grade B .0012"
thermal expansion - is magnetic. All steel parts having
Grade C .0010"
a hardness of Rc-40 or greater require a post bake at
375° +- 25°F for 3 hours. Grade D .0008"
Grade E .0006"
Grade F .0004"
Grade G .0002"
Class 2 For engineering applications

PASSIVATE MIL-S-5002 . .
A process designed to remove foreign metals from the Type I No dimensional change Low temperature
surface of stainless and corrosion resistant steels and
Type II Medium temperature
to promote natural tendency to surface to oxide. Does Type III High temperature
not change the apperance of the base metal. Process
purifies surface and therefore improves corrosion Type IV For steels containing large amounts (0.15 percent) of surfur or selenium.
resistance. Type V Anodic - For high carbon martensitic (440) steels
Type VI Low temperature (optional)

PHOSPHATE COATING; HEAVY DOD-P-16232 . .

Heavy coating for corrosion and wear resist.
A coating for medium and low alloy steels. Gray to Type M .0002" - .0004" Manganese phoshate base coating (min 16g/m2 or 11g/m2 when
brack in color. Type M is more resistant than Type Z to specified)+D134
alkaline enviroments. Type M can be used up to 250 F.
Provides moderate corrosion resistant and prevents Class 1 Supplementary preservative treatmentor coating, as specified.
wear. Class 2 Supplementary treatment with lubricating oil conforming to MIL-L-3150
Class 3 No supplementary treatment
Class 4 Chemically converted (may be dyed to color as specified). With no
supplementary coating or supplementary coating as specified.
Type Z can be used up tp 200 Fto prevent galling in Type Z .0002" - .0006" Zinc phosphate base coating (min 11g/m2)
extrusion and depp drawing. Class 2 is good for
corrosion resistance. Class 1 Supplementary preservative treatment or coating, as specified
Class 2 Supplementary treatment with preservative conforming to MIL-C-16173,
Grade 1 or MIL-L-3150 as alternate for very small parts).
Class 3 No supplementary treatment
Class 4 Chemically converted (may be dyed to color as specified). With no
supplementary coating or supplementary coating as specified.

SILVER QQ-S-365 . .
White matte to very bright in apperance. Good .0005" min unless otherwise
corrosion resisatnce, depending on base metal. Will specified
tarnish easily. Hardeness caries from about 90 Brinnell
to about 135 Brinnell depending on process and Type I Matte
plating conditions. Solderability is excellent, but Type II Semi-bright
decreases with age. Best electrical conductor. Has
excellent lubricity and smear characteristics for anti- Type III Bright
galling uses on static seals, bushings, etc. Grade A Chromate post-treatment to improve tarnish resistance
Grade B No chromate treatment

SULFAMATE NICKEL MIL-P-27418 . .

The plating conforming to this specification is intended Unless otherwise specified
to facillitate the formation of a seal between two
metallic surfaces. PLATING HARDNESS not to exceed .0020"
150 Knoop hardness (500gm. Load) after annealling. "+-" ".0003" The nickel plating shall have columnar crystalline structure before
anneating.

SULFURIC ANODIZE MIL-A-8625 . .

Color will vary with alloy. Aluminum with low alloying Type II .00020" - .0010" All aluminium alloys, but do not use where solutions will entrap.
elements will show practically no color change. Best
coating on aluminium for dyeing. Can be dyed FED-STD No 595 may be used as a guide for specifying color
practically any color or shade (Black, blu, red, etc.) (approximate comparison only)

Salt Spray requirement is 336 hours (5% solution per Class 1 Non-dyed
method ASTM-B-117)
Class 2 dyed
Minium weight for Type II coatings: Class 1: 600 NOTE: For wrought 2000 series and castings with 1% or greater copper
Milligrams sq-ft. Class 2: 2500 Milligrams sq-ft. min cfg. Wf. Shall be 1400 milligrams sq-ft.

TIN MIL-T-10727 .
Color is gray-white in a plated condition. Had very high As specified on drawing. Electrodeposited. Use ASTM-B 545
luster in fused conditions. Soft, but is very ductile. Thickness guide not part of
Corrosion resistance is good. (Coated items should Spec.
meet 24 hour 5% salt spray requirements.)
Salderability is excellent. Tin is not good for low Type I Standard specification
temperature applications 9changes structure and loses Type II Hot dipped
adhesion when exposed to temperature below 40 C).
If a bright finish is desired to be used in lieu of fused .0001" - .00025" Flash for soldering
tin, specify Bright Tin plate. Thickness ness can
exceed that of fused tin and deposit shows excellent .0002" - .0004" To prevent galling and seizing
corrosion resistance and solderability. .0003" min Where corrosion resistance is important
.0002' - .0006" To preventformation of case during nitriding

ZINC ASTMB633-85 . .
Either a bright or dull finish is acceptable. Bright Zinc Fe/Zn25 SC4 .0010" The primary use of chromate finishes on zinc is to retard or prevent
plating closely resembles bright chromium. However, formation of white corrosion products on zinc surfaces
bright zinc does not have the permanence of surface Fe/Zn13 SC3 .00050"
appearance. Zinc coated steel will not rust even when Fe/Zn8 SC2 .00030" The primary purpose of phospate coating on zinc is to provide a paint base
exposed by scratches because of the galvanic
protection of the zinc. On weathering, zinc turns to a Fe/Zn5 SC1 .00020"
drab color. Zinc should be deposited directly on the Type I Without supplementary treatments
base metal (Nickel is permissible undercoat if base
metal is a corrosion resisting steel). Parts having a Type II With supplementary chromate treatment
hardness greater that Rc-40 must be given a heat
treatment prior to plating. Springs having a hardness Type III With supplementary colorless chromate treatment
over Rc-40 must be given an after plating baking of Type IV With phosphate conversion treatment
375° +- 25°F for 3 hours.
Corrosion resistance requirements Type II 96 Hours Type III 12 Hours

ZINC NICKEL AMS-2417 BAC-5637 . .

Dull matte gray or green irridescent. Type II acid or .0005" min No supplementary treatment or supplementary chromate treatment.
alkaline process. Excellent alternative for cadmium
plate requirements. Meets and exceeds 96 hours salt .0003" min
spray test. .0002" min