Our Special Processing Department only came into fruition a decade ago but has quickly expanded into one of our most substantial assets. Pictured below you'll find a few stand out operations that we provide!
Heat Treat
One of the first steps in Special Processing is our Heat Treat department. Here you'll find our Solution Quench Furnace with an operating temperature between 800 - 1100°F, as well as our Aging Ovens that allow us to age aluminium (200 - 410°F). SMC's Heat Treat department also has the capabilities to perform stress relief of titanium alloys as well as heat treating beryllium copper alloys.
Wet & Dry Blasting
Although a small portion of the overall operation, our Wet & Dry Blasting capabilities are a crucial component when it comes to producing top notch parts. SMC utilizes six dry abrasive cabinets to aid in surface preparation and scale removal. We also have a singular vapor blaster or "liquid hone", that allows for improved surface finishes and preparation.
Chemical Processing
Within our Special Processing division, the Chemical Processing department stands out as a highly advanced area. Our feature-rich, fully automated tank line provides significant operational advantages. We can efficiently run multiple jobs concurrently, applying predetermined recipes for standardized processing, while also offering the flexibility to prioritize loads based on specific needs. Furthermore, our switch-mode anodizing rectifiers ensure precise control over ripple current, guaranteeing consistent anodize thickness across all parts.
Our line's 8-foot tanks enable us to handle larger parts and accommodate significant production volumes. Within these tanks, we utilize a comprehensive range of surface treatments, including Conversion Coat, Sulfuric Acid Anodize (Types II and IIB), Boric Acid Anodize (Type IC), Titanium, Aluminum, and Stainless Etch (all for pre-penetrant or general cleaning), Passivation (Type 6), as well as Alkaline cleaning of Aluminum, Titanium, and Stainless Steel.
Paint
The final step in Special Processing involves the application of organic coatings in our Paint department. To maximize efficiency, we utilize segregated paint booths, each with their own curing stations. Our first booth (Booth 1 - 12' x 20') is dedicated to primer application, while our second booth (Booth 2 - 10' x 14') specifically handles topcoat application. Additionally, our Paint department conducts complex masking, dry film application, fuel coat application, as well as silkscreen and electro-etching processes.