MIL-DTL-5541F
Specifications
MIL-DTL-5541F Technical Notes
Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the following
- Title, number, and date of the specification.
- Type and class required.
- Method of application, if restricted.
- If touch-up is permitted for mechanically damaged areas.
- Colorless coatings, if required.
- If touch-up is permitted for contact marks.
- Omit the paint adhesion test, if permitted.
- If electrical resistance testing is required for class 3 coatings.
- When electrical resistance testing is required, specify the required resistance values, frequency of testing, and test method.
- Alloy and temper of the process control test specimens
- Paint finish system for treated parts, if applicable.
- Quantity required.
- Sampling plan.
- Lot size.
Types
- Type I – Compositions containing hexavalent chromium.
- Type II – Compositions containing no hexavalent chromium. (RoHS Compliant)
Note – If no material type is specified, type I will be used.
Classes
- Class 1A – For maximum protection against corrosion on unpainted items, and increased adhesion on painted items.
Used on tanks, tubing, and component structures where only exterior protection is required. - Class 3 – For protection against corrosion where low electrical resistance is required.
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Services & Capabilities

Electroplating
Electroplating
Electroplating is a process by which one metal is deposited onto a base metal (substrate). These deposited metals offer a variety of benefits including thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and more. AOTCO electroplates a wide variety of both standard and exotic metals.
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Anodizing
Anodizing
Sometimes called a “conversion coating” Anodizing is an electrolytic process in which an oxide (anodic) layer is chemically built on the surface of the substrate material, providing anti-corrosion and other benefits. AOTCO offers, Type I, Type 2, Type 3 and Titanium anodizing services.
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Passivation
Passivation
Passivation is a term for a variety if processes that make a metal (most commonly stainless steel) or other substance unreactive, or passive, by altering the surface layer or coating the surface with a thin inert layer. AOTCO performs both citric and black oxide passivation techniques to a range of specifications.
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Plating Substrates
Plating Substrates
AOTCO plates on a wide variety of Common, Exotic and Non-Metallic substrates, bringing exceptional expertise to magnesium, titanium, beryllium, BeCu, TeCu, tungsten and more. In some cases we pass as high as 450 degrees celsius, allowing for high temperature soldering, brazing, or post machining operations after plating.
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Pre- & Post-Process Treatments
Pre- & Post-Process Treatments
Pre-Process: In addition to offering both mechanical & chemical cleaning options, AOTCO specializes in creating solutions for complicated, difficult and tight-tolerance masking challenges. Post-Process: For clients with specialized needs AOTCO offers laser marking and engraving options, including color change caused by chemical or molecular changes, charring, foaming, melting, ablation, and more.
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Dedicated Outsourced Finishing
Dedicated Outsourced Finishing
Part of our cornerstone goal of building long-term, collaborative & solution-oriented partnerships, AOTCO will devote reserved physical and human resource capacity for our clients with long-term finishing and deadline requirements. For these partnerships our commitment is that AOTCO manages the process, while YOU control the results.
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