Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) & PEO Coating Services
Transform Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium parts with in-situ ceramic coatings. Achieve HV 1200+ hardness, 2000°C thermal stability, and ultimate corrosion protection for mission-critical applications.
Learn more about our services or contact us for detailed consultation.
Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) Services for CNC Parts
;Also known as Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), we grow in-situ ceramic coatings on Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium. Achieve HV 1200+ hardness, 2000°C thermal stability, and ultimate corrosion protection for your most demanding applications. Learn more about our company.
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Beyond Hard Anodizing: Why Choose ProtoBatch for MAO/PEO?
Traditional finishing often fails on die-cast alloys or under extreme thermal stress. ProtoBatch integrates CNC precision with Micro-Arc Oxidation (PEO) to transform metal surfaces into high-performance ceramic shields with a permanent metallurgical bond. Learn more about our company and mission.
- Ceramic Transformation: Achieve extreme surface hardness (HV 1200+) and wear resistance that far exceeds Type III hardcoat anodizing.
- Die Casting Optimized: Successfully apply high-density coatings to high-silicon alloys (ADC12, A380) where traditional methods typically fail.
- Corrosion & Heat Shield: Extreme protection for Magnesium and Aluminum with 500+ hours salt spray resistance and 2000°C thermal shock stability.
- Eco-Friendly & RoHS Compliant: A clean, green chemistry process using alkaline electrolytes, free from heavy metals and toxic chromates.
The MAO Process: Harnessing High-Energy Plasma
Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO), or Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), utilizes high-voltage discharge to transform metal surfaces into high-performance ceramics. By initiating a controlled plasma environment, we grow a protective layer that is metallurgically bonded to the substrate.
At ProtoBatch, we integrate CNC precision with this "in-situ" growth technology, allowing Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium components to achieve unmatched hardness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. Learn more about our about page to understand our technology foundation.
- High-Voltage Electrolysis: Exceeding the dielectric limit to initiate micro-plasma arcs across the part surface.
- Micro-Plasma Discharge: Generating localized temperatures of 3000K+ for instantaneous oxide sintering.
- Ceramic Phase Formation: Developing dense alpha-alumina or magnesia crystalline structures for extreme wear protection.
Alloy Compatibility for MAO/PEO Coating
ProtoBatch CNC specializes in transforming Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium surfaces into high-performance ceramic layers. Our Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) process is engineered for a wide range of wrought and cast alloys, providing a metallurgical bond that significantly outperforms traditional hard anodizing in extreme environments.
Whether you are working with high-silicon die-cast aluminum (ADC12/A380) or aerospace-grade magnesium (AZ91D), our PEO services ensure uniform ceramic growth. We help you maintain tight tolerances while boosting surface hardness to HV 1200+, ensuring maximum reliability for mission-critical industrial applications. Learn more about our available material options.
Aluminum (Wrought & Cast)
Optimized for 2024, 6061, and 7075 series, plus die-cast alloys like ADC12. MAO creates a dense $alpha-Al_alpha-Al_2O_3$ layer that resists wear and high-temperature oxidation where standard coatings fail.
Magnesium Alloys
Tailored for AZ31, AZ91, and AM60. We solve magnesium's corrosion vulnerability with a robust ceramic shield, achieving 500+ hours in salt spray testing for aerospace and drone components.
Titanium & Biocompatibility
Advanced PEO for TC4 and TA2 alloys. We produce bioactive, porous surfaces for medical implants to enhance bone integration, or hard-wearing layers for high-stress aerospace fasteners and shafts.
Performance Specifications
Extreme Hardness & Wear Resistance
Our MAO process achieves surface hardness between HV 800 and 1500, creating a ceramic-like layer that outperforms hard anodizing. This provides unmatched abrasion resistance for aerospace and textile machinery components. For more information about our company and capabilities, visit our About Us page.
Thermal Barrier & Thickness Control
We offer precise coating thicknesses from 10µm to 100µm. These PEO layers act as robust thermal barriers, capable of withstanding instantaneous temperatures up to 2000°C without cracking or delamination.
Dielectric Strength & Corrosion Protection
Providing high breakdown voltage (>1000V) and 500+ hours of salt spray resistance, our coatings are ideal for magnesium electronic housings and high-silicon die-cast aluminum parts in marine environments. For further inquiries, please visit our Contact page.
MAO vs. Hard Anodizing: The Ultimate Shield Comparison
Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO / PEO)
MAO utilizes high-voltage plasma discharge to transform the metal surface into a crystalline ceramic layer. This "in-situ" growth creates an indestructible metallurgical bond, offering performance far beyond traditional electrochemical coatings.
- Extreme Hardness: HV 800–1500, comparable to technical ceramics.
- Thermal Barrier: Exceptional resistance to heat and thermal shock.
- Alloy Versatility: Ideal for Magnesium and High-Silicon Die Cast Aluminum.
- Corrosion Shield: 500+ hours salt spray resistance for harsh environments.
Hard Anodizing (Type III)
Hard Anodizing is a standard low-temperature electrochemical process that forms a dense aluminum oxide film. While highly effective for general industrial use, it is susceptible to cracking under high thermal loads. This anodizing process is widely recognized for its durable surface protection.
- Tight Tolerances: Excellent dimensional control for high-precision fits.
- Surface Finish: Maintains a smoother Ra compared to as-coated MAO.
- Cost Efficiency: Economical for high-volume 6061 or 7075 aluminum parts.
- Wear Resistance: Reliable protection for standard mechanical friction.
Selecting the Optimal Surface Solution
Choose MAO/PEO for mission-critical aerospace, medical, or magnesium components requiring extreme durability and heat resistance. Opt for Hard Anodizing when precise dimensional stability and cost-effective wear protection are your primary project requirements.
Industry-Leading Applications for MAO & PEO
Aerospace & Defense
Protect lightweight magnesium and aluminum components from high-altitude thermal shocks and extreme atmospheric corrosion with ceramic-hard PEO layers.
Medical & Surgical
Enhance titanium implants with bioactive MAO surfaces. Our process improves biocompatibility and promotes superior bone integration for dental and orthopedic devices.
Industrial Machinery
Replace heavy steel with PEO-coated aluminum rollers and guides. Achieve HV 1200+ surface hardness while significantly reducing machine inertia and wear.
Automotive & E-Mobility
Optimize aluminum pistons and cylinder liners with thermal barrier coatings (TBC) to withstand 2000°C instant impacts and improve overall engine efficiency.
High-End Electronics
Deliver superior heat dissipation and dielectric insulation for magnesium heat sinks, or apply light-absorbing Black MAO for precision optical housings.
Energy & Marine
Shield critical energy hardware from harsh salt-spray environments with dense PEO barriers that exceed ASTM B117 corrosion resistance standards. To learn more about our industry expertise and innovations, visit our about us page.
Precision Dimensional Control & Masking
Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) creates a ceramic layer that grows both inward and outward in a 50/50 ratio. ProtoBatch eliminates the risk of tolerance failure by integrating CNC machining with coating expertise, calculating precise dimensional compensation before the plasma process begins. Learn more about our about page for detailed company insights.
- Growth Compensation: Calculated pre-machining to account for ceramic layer thickness.
- Selective Masking: Advanced protection for threaded holes, bores, and conductive surfaces.
- Post-Processing: Precision grinding and polishing to restore sub-micron accuracy after coating.
- Complex Geometries: Consistent protection and size control for aerospace and medical components.
Functional Aesthetics & Ceramic Textures
Unlike traditional anodizing, Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) delivers a unique, matte ceramic-like finish that balances technical performance with high-end industrial design. Our PEO coatings provide a sophisticated, non-reflective appearance ideal for precision aerospace, optical, and medical applications. Learn more about our about us page for detailed company insights.
Advanced Surface Appearance
The in-situ growth of the ceramic layer results in a distinct tactile texture, ranging from fine sandpaper to smooth matte, depending on the alloy and electrolyte chemistry used.
- Matte ceramic white, grey, or deep black finishes
- Exceptional color consistency across complex geometries
- Diffuse reflective surfaces for light-sensitive optical systems
Versatile Post-Processing Base
The naturally porous "loose layer" of a PEO coating acts as a superior mechanical key, making it an unrivaled primer for secondary functional or aesthetic treatments.
- Ideal primer for high-adhesion painting and powder coating
- Optional PTFE impregnation for self-lubricating properties
- Precision grinding and polishing for high-tolerance surfaces
Flexible Capacity: From R&D Prototypes to High-Volume MAO
ProtoBatch bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial-scale application. To learn more about our expertise, visit our about page. Our Micro-Arc Oxidation facilities are engineered to scale with your project lifecycle, ensuring the same diamond-hard ceramic performance on your first functional prototype as on your full-scale production run.
- Prototype MAO Services: Single-piece runs for rapid engineering validation and R&D testing.
- Industrial Batch Processing: Automated voltage and electrolyte control for high-volume throughput.
- Process Consistency: Custom racking and masking solutions ensure uniform coating thickness across every part.
Ceramic-Grade Quality Assurance & PEO Verification
>At ProtoBatch, we treat Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) as a precision science. Our ISO 9001-certified facility utilizes advanced metrology to verify the structural integrity, thickness, and hardness of every ceramic layer, ensuring your CNC parts withstand the most extreme aerospace and medical environments. Our commitment to quality assurance guarantees the highest standards.
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- > Hardness & Thickness Profiling:> Vickers micro-hardness testing (HV 800-1500) and eddy current gauging for precise film thickness control. >
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- > ASTM B117 Corrosion Testing:> Verified salt spray performance guaranteeing 500+ hours of protection for Magnesium and Aluminum alloys. >
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- > Microstructure SEM Analysis:> Optional scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the dense-to-porous phase ratio for critical dielectric or medical applications. >
MAO & PEO Coating Gallery: High-Performance Ceramic Surfaces
>Explore our portfolio of CNC machined components featuring advanced Micro-Arc Oxidation (PEO). From lightweight magnesium housings to biocompatible titanium implants, we deliver ceramic-level protection and extreme durability for mission-critical applications. For more examples, visit our gallery.
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Aluminum Ceramic Coating (MAO)
>High-hardness Al2O3 layers on 6061 and 7075 alloys, providing a superior wear-resistant barrier that outperforms traditional hard anodizing.
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Bioactive Titanium PEO
>Biocompatible titanium surface modifications for medical implants, engineered to enhance bone integration and chemical resistance.
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Precision MAO Finishing
>Advanced plasma electrolytic oxidation providing high dielectric strength and thermal stability for aerospace-grade components.
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Magnesium Corrosion Shield
>Robust PEO layers for AZ31 and AZ91D magnesium alloys, offering salt spray resistance exceeding 500 hours for lightweight drone parts.
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Black PEO for Optoelectronics
>Functional black micro-arc oxidation designed for low light reflection and high thermal radiation in precision optical systems.
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Custom Die-Cast MAO Solutions
>Specialized ceramic coatings for high-silicon die-casting alloys (ADC12, A380) that are typically incompatible with standard anodizing.
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