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Mifa Aluminium
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Aalberts
Aluminium surface treatment

Aluminium surface treatments for defense

Which surface treatment meets military requirements and strict regulations?

Under extreme conditions, only the best counts: protection against wear, moisture and impact without compromising weight or tolerances. At Mifa Surface Treatment, we combine precision with performance. We provide Cr6‑free aluminium coatings that perform in demanding defence environments and comply with REACH legislation.

Perform beyond the surface.

When to use which layer? Choose based on application and requirements

At Mifa Surface Treatment, you don’t choose based on intuition, but on specifications and a strong technical foundation. Our specialists gladly assist you. However, there are several circumstances or requirements for aluminium profiles in defence applications that call for a specific solution. Some of these conditions or requirements include:

  • Mechanical load and wear, such as in rails, locks and guides.
  • Environments with salt spray and condensation, such as maritime/offshore applications.
  • Chemical exposure, for example from de-icing agents, fuels or oils.
  • Specific wishes regarding optical signature and visual quality. These influence the surface appearance, ranging from low‑glare to high‑gloss.
  • EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and connector interfaces, which require good electrical shielding.

All our solutions are Cr6‑free and REACH compliant. Batch traceability and measurement reports are also available. Mifa offers suitable solutions for a wide range of applications. We gladly advise you on the most suitable surface treatment for your application.

 

You can request advice by completing the Surface Selector!

The Surface Selector

Looking for the right surface treatment for your aluminium profile or component? Together, we’ll determine which coating best suits your application and the properties you’re looking for.

Use our Surface Selector and receive tailored advice.

Whether it’s wear resistance, corrosion protection, Cr6-free alternatives or visual requirements: we’ll help you make the right choice.

Start with The Surface Selector

Drones voor defensie

Advantages of aluminium coatings for military applications at Mifa Surface Treatment

Our aluminium coatings for military applications offer several advantages that are certainly worth considering:

  • Component lifetime is extended by 20–45% (depending on layer & environment).
  • Wear resistance increases to >50,000 cycles (test setup depending on part).
  • Corrosion resistance is tested according to military standard. Corrosion resistance ≥480–720 h NSS (ISO 9227) or according to MIL‑STD‑810 Method 509 (on request).
  • Dimensional tolerances remain intact after treatment.
  • Mifa provides alternatives to hard chrome plating without Chromium-6. These alternatives are REACH compliant and have validated performance.

Technical specifications of defence surface treatments (example values)

Property
Value
Explanation
Layer thickness
 5-50 μm
Depending on application and anodising/coating process
Hardness (HV)
 250-500 HV
With hard anodising or TUFRAM®; depending on process and alloy
Corrosion test
 ≥336–720 h NSS
According to ISO 9227
Temperature range
 –50°C until +250°C 
Thermally stable under cycles
Compatible alloys
 6xxx, 7xxx
Including adhesion test
Dimensional tolerance impact
 <10 μm
Within aerospace specifications
Adhesion
 class 1 (mil-spec)
Validation on request

Comparison: TUFRAM® vs. hard chrome plating vs. standard anodising

TUFRAM® Hard chrome Standard anodising
Cr6-free Yes No Yes
Wear Resistance High High Medium
Weight increase
 Low High Low
Adhesion: Excellent
 Excellent Moderate Good
Tolerance retention
 Yes No Yes
Choose when
Top performance is expected and Cr6 is not allowed
Legacy technology is still in use
Basic protection is required

From hard chrome plating to Cr6‑free

More and more organisations are switching to Cr6‑free alternatives. We guide that transition step by step so that performance and tolerances are preserved.

  • Specifications and requirements: We analyse your drawing, functional requirements and application environment carefully. We identify the critical mating surfaces and required surface roughness. We map out which characteristics determine functionality and which tolerances and surfaces must not be altered.
  • Test coatings on your actual profile: We compare multiple Cr6‑free options, such as hard anodising or TUFRAM®.
  • Measurement provides proof: If needed, you receive a measurement report with relevant evidence—such as wear/cycle tests and corrosion tests. This allows you to see immediately which layer performs best according to your criteria.
  • Release according to aerospace discipline: We document everything within our AS9100 workflow.

Result: A Cr6‑free, REACH‑compliant alternative to hard chrome plating, with demonstrable performance and a clear file you can release internally or to your customer.

Mifa’s approach

To formulate the strongest possible recommendation, Mifa follows several fixed steps:

1. Co‑engineering session with a specialist, including:

  • Providing required information and personal alignment
  • Assessment of application/possibilities and offering recommendations

2. A test is carried out on the product or a test plate.

3. A measurement report is created with results and optional adjustments.

4. A concrete recommendation is formulated for the most suitable coating.

 

Request test coating • Schedule co‑engineering session • Download datasheet • Receive indicative costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Which layer is suitable for sand/dust erosion or impact?

    Hard anodising (high hardness) or tufram (low friction + wear‑resistant) are often most suitable. The final choice is determined through a test coating and wear tests on your own component.

     

  • Is there a Cr6‑free alternative to hard chrome plating?

    Yes. Instead of hard chrome plating, we recommend TUFRAM® or hard anodising (depending on load/roughness). These layers deliver comparable wear resistance, better adhesion and no Chromium‑6. This is validated through test coatings and measurement reports.

  • Why are we moving away from Chromium‑6/hard chrome plating?

    Chromium‑6 is heavily regulated and is being phased out by many OEMs. It also poses health and environmental risks, as well as supply chain risks. Therefore, we supply Cr6‑free, REACH‑compliant alternatives with demonstrable performance for various defence customers.

  • What does the coating do to my fit or tolerances?

    Our processes are suitable for precise dimensional control. Any deviation is measured and reported in advance.

  • Does this meet military standards?

    We work in accordance with AS9100 (Aalberts group) and validate coatings according to relevant MIL standards or customer specifications on request.

  • Does Mifa work according to AS9100 processes?

    Yes. All our defence and aerospace projects are executed and secured under the AS9100 quality management system.

Want to know more about our aluminium surface treatments for defence applications?

Call Fons

Manager Surface Treatment

Fons Timmermans

+31 (0)77 389 8777