Aerospace Metal Finishing Wichita, KS | Valence Surface Tech

What Is Aerospace Metal Finishing?

Aerospace metal finishing is the application of specialized surface treatments to metal components used in aviation, defense, and space systems to enhance their performance, durability, and compliance with strict industry standards. 

These processes, such as plating, anodizing, conversion coatings, passivation, shot peening, and painting, improve wear resistance, corrosion protection, conductivity, and dimensional stability while meeting rigorous OEM, SAE, and NADCAP requirements. By tailoring finishes to specific materials and operating environments, aerospace metal finishing ensures components perform reliably in extreme conditions and demanding mission profiles.

Why Choose Valence For Aerospace Metal Finishing In Wichita, KS

In Wichita, the hub of U.S. aerospace manufacturing, precision, compliance, and speed are not optional but essential. Valence Surface Technologies delivers all three through a fully integrated, NADCAP-accredited operation that supports mission-critical aviation, defense, and space programs from prototype to full-rate production.

Aerospace-Grade Expertise

Backed by decades of industry experience and thousands of OEM approvals, we understand the stringent requirements of modern aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.

Fully Integrated Processes

We offer anodizing, plating, conversion coatings, passivation, shot peen, non-destructive testing, dry film lubricants, and paint—all under one roof to reduce lead times and supplier risk.

Capacity For Complex & Large-Scale Projects

From intricate small components to oversized structures, our large tank capabilities, advanced masking, and precision process controls ensure consistent, repeatable results.

Proven Compliance & Quality Systems

We operate with closed-loop chemistry control, robust documentation, and digital quality systems, providing full traceability from incoming inspection to final certification.

Our Aerospace Metal Finishing Services

Valence Surface Technologies provides certified, end-to-end metal finishing solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial manufacturing. Our integrated capabilities ensure quality, traceability, and on-time delivery at every production stage. Whether coating aircraft components or treating mission-critical hardware, we deliver with precision, consistency, and full compliance.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

We detect flaws without damaging components using advanced methods such as fluorescent penetrant inspection. These services verify structural integrity and ensure conformance to the strictest aerospace, defense, and OEM standards.

Chemical Processing

Our chemical processing capabilities prepare metal surfaces for finishing and extend component life. Processes include anodizing, passivation, chromate conversion coating, and other essential pretreatment methods for aerospace-grade performance.

Plating Services

We meet rigorous specifications for corrosion protection, conductivity, and wear resistance with a variety of plating options:

• Cadmium Plating: Ideal for aerospace fasteners and high-strength steel components.
• Copper Plating: Excellent conductivity and adhesion for subsequent finishes.
• Nickel Plating: Electroless and electrolytic options for uniform coverage and high wear resistance.
• Military Plating Solutions: Processes designed to meet exacting military and OEM standards for compliance, longevity, and reliability.

Painting & Spray Coatings

We offer expert painting and spray coating services tailored to aerospace needs. Coatings improve durability, visibility, and corrosion protection while meeting MIL-SPEC and OEM requirements. Every finish is applied to exact specifications for clean lines, uniform coverage, and lasting performance.

Additional Services

We support a range of specialized processes that enhance surface performance and meet unique program requirements, including:

• Masking for selective finishing
• Surface cleaning and preparation
• Precision racking and part handling
• Customized process development for specialized applications.

Who We Serve In Wichita, KS

Wichita is a cornerstone of global aerospace manufacturing, and Valence Surface Technologies is proud to support the city’s diverse and demanding production ecosystem. Our metal finishing services are trusted by organizations that require precision, compliance, and reliability every time.

Aerospace OEMs & Tiered Suppliers

We partner with aircraft manufacturers and supply chains to deliver finishes meeting stringent OEM, SAE, and NADCAP requirements. Our processes ensure durability, traceability, and on-time delivery from structural assemblies to complex flight hardware.

Defense Contractors

Valence supports mission-critical defense programs with coatings, plating, and testing services engineered to withstand the toughest operational environments, land, sea, air, or space.

Industrial Manufacturers

We serve manufacturers producing high-performance industrial equipment, ensuring surfaces meet required wear, corrosion, and conductivity specifications for long service life.

Space & Satellite Programs

Our finishing capabilities protect components destined for launch, orbital operations, and ground support, ensuring they maintain performance under extreme conditions.

Medical & Life Sciences

Precision finishes for surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and support hardware that demand cleanliness, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

Key Benefits Of Aerospace Metal Finishing

Aerospace metal finishing enhances component reliability, longevity, and performance under extreme operational stresses. Precision-controlled chemistries and process discipline deliver repeatable results that meet stringent aerospace specifications, keeping aircraft safer and fleets mission-ready.

Corrosion Resistance Under Harsh Conditions

Advanced coatings and conversion treatments form protective barriers that combat galvanic, pitting, and crevice corrosion, safeguarding critical parts exposed to salt fog, fuel, hydraulic fluids, and rapid thermal cycling.

Wear And Fatigue Performance

Engineered finishes reduce friction and surface asperities, slowing wear and mitigating microcrack initiation, which helps extend fatigue life on high-cycle components like landing gear, actuators, and rotating assemblies.

Weight And Efficiency Gains

Thin-film coatings and optimized surface treatments replace heavier protections without compromising durability, contributing to lower mass, improved fuel efficiency, and tighter performance margins.

Dimensional Control And Surface Integrity

Tightly controlled deposition and removal processes preserve tolerances while improving surface finish, ensuring proper fit, sealing, and aerodynamic smoothness on complex geometries.

Electrical And Thermal Functionality

Specialty finishes provide defined conductivity, shielding, and thermal pathways, enabling reliable grounding, EMI protection, and heat dissipation across avionics and power systems.

Compliance And Traceability

Process validation, lot traceability, and documented certifications align with aerospace standards, reducing risk, supporting airworthiness, and streamlining audits and supplier approvals.

Pricing Information For Aerospace Metal Finishing In Wichita, KS

At Valence Surface Technologies, we provide world-class aerospace metal finishing with transparent, competitive pricing. We serve aerospace, defense, and space industries, delivering finishes that meet the most stringent OEM, SAE, and NADCAP standards while ensuring exceptional quality and reliability.

Key Factors That Influence Cost At Valence

• Part Size & Complexity: Larger or more intricate components require additional time, materials, and labor. Complex geometries or parts requiring multiple surface treatments will increase overall cost.
• Finishing Process & Coating Specifications: Different processes, including anodizing, plating, or corrosion-resistant coatings, vary in cost. High-spec finishes like MIL-SPEC coatings often cost more due to specialized materials and techniques.
• Material Type: Metals such as titanium, steel, and aluminum require specific preparation and treatment methods, some of which are more labor- or resource-intensive.
• Volume & Batch Size: Larger orders benefit from economies of scale, reducing per-unit costs. Smaller or highly customized orders may incur additional setup or processing fees.
• Customization & Value-Added Services: Special coatings, multi-color schemes, and branding elements can increase costs. Precision masking, complex logos, and specialty finishes also contribute to pricing.

Valence’s Transparent Quotation Process

• Technical Consultation: We evaluate your components, performance requirements, and compliance needs to determine the best finishing approach.
• Customized Proposal: You receive a detailed, itemized quote outlining all associated costs, ensuring complete transparency.
• Cost Optimization Recommendations: If budget constraints exist, we suggest viable alternatives to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or compliance.

Valence delivers premium, cost-effective metal finishing in Wichita, KS for programs where precision, compliance, and performance cannot be compromised. Contact us today for a custom quote tailored to your project needs.

Exploring Valence Surface Technologies’ Locations

Valence Surface Technologies operates a nationwide network of facilities, strategically positioned to deliver top-quality surface treatments for the aerospace and defense industries. Here’s a snapshot of the regions we serve and key services offered:

Eastern Region

Facilities in Eastman, GA; Grove, OK; Blairsville, PA; West Springfield, MA; and Wichita, KS deliver a full range of treatments, including:

• Nondestructive Testing (NDT) – Detecting material defects before operation.
• Anodizing – Corrosion-resistant finishes for aluminum parts.
• Paint/Spray Coatings – Protective, performance-driven finishes.
• Shot Peening – Enhancing fatigue life with compressive surface stress.
• Bond Primer – Ensuring long-lasting topcoat adhesion.

All facilities are equipped to handle parts from small components to over 20 feet long and meet rigorous aerospace and defense quality standards.

Northwest Region

Located in Seattle and Everett, WA, serving the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada with capabilities including:

• NDT – Ensuring structural integrity of mission-critical parts.
• Anodizing – Extending component lifespan through corrosion resistance.
• Paint/Spray Coatings – Weather-resistant and visually refined finishes.
• Shot Peening – Boosting fatigue resistance for high-stress parts.
• Bond Primer – Maximizing durability of painted finishes.

These facilities can handle parts up to 30 feet and serve a wide range of aerospace and defense needs.

Southwest Region

Our Los Angeles, CA facility supports California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah with services including:

• NDT – Meeting strict aerospace safety and reliability standards.
• Anodizing – Protective coatings for metals in harsh environments.
• Plating – Corrosion, wear resistance, and improved conductivity.
• Paint/Spray Coatings – High-performance and aesthetic finishes.
• Shot Peening – Extending service life of critical aircraft parts.
• Bond Primer – Strengthening topcoat adhesion.

With a capacity for parts up to 25 feet long, we offer advanced coatings, testing, and surface treatments for projects of all sizes.

Contact Valence Surface Technologies Today

Valence Surface Technologies is the trusted partner you need when your program demands aerospace metal finishing with uncompromising quality, precision, and compliance. Our fully integrated processes, NADCAP-accredited capabilities, and extensive OEM approvals ensure your components meet the highest industry standards—every time.

Whether you’re launching a new production run, restoring critical hardware, or qualifying components for a defense or space program, we provide the expertise, capacity, and process discipline to keep your schedule on track.

Contact us today to:

• Schedule a technical consultation with our finishing experts
• Request a customized, transparent quote for your project
• Secure production capacity for your aerospace, defense, or industrial program.

Your components deserve a finishing partner who delivers precision and performance without compromise. Start your project with Valence today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace Metal Finishing Wichita, KS | Valence Surface Tech

Does Valence Wichita provide Nadcap certified processes?

Yes. Valence Wichita maintains Nadcap accreditation across key aerospace finishing disciplines, with ongoing audits to ensure strict adherence to PRI standards.

What types of plating does Valence offer in Wichita, KS?

We offer a wide range of aerospace-grade plating, including cadmium, zinc-nickel, hard chrome, electroless nickel, nickel, copper, silver, and gold, as well as conversion coatings and passivation.

What are turnaround times for metal finishing jobs at Valence Wichita?

Typical lead times range from a few days to two weeks, depending on process complexity, lot size, and approvals. Expedited options are available upon request.

How does Valence ensure quality control in aerospace finishing?

We leverage an integrated QMS with AS9100/ISO compliance, Nadcap-accredited special processes, in-house laboratory testing, statistical process control, and full traceability from receipt to shipment.

Are there size limitations for parts finished at Valence Wichita?

Yes. We accommodate a broad envelope suitable for large aerostructures and precision components. Provide part dimensions and process requirements for exact tank and tooling capabilities.

What environmental standards does Valence Wichita follow?

Valence complies with EPA, OSHA, and local Kansas regulations, employs advanced wastewater treatment, and adheres to REACH/ROHS where applicable, prioritizing sustainable, compliant operations across all processes.