Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) & PEO Coating Services
Transform Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium components with ylc-machining's in-situ ceramic coatings. Achieve HV 1200+ hardness, 2000°C thermal stability, and 5x stronger 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.
Beyond Hard Anodizing: Why Choose 4x Harder MAO/PEO Coatings?
Traditional finishing often fails on die-cast alloys or under extreme thermal stress exceeding 500°C. Integrating CNC precision with Micro-Arc Oxidation (PEO) transforms metal surfaces into high-performance ceramic shields, improving wear resistance by 300% via a permanent metallurgical bond. Explore our advanced capabilities 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, yielding up to 2000 HV hardness. By initiating a controlled plasma environment, this metallurgically bonded protective layer increases substrate durability by 300%.
At ylc-machining, we integrate CNC precision with this "in-situ" growth technology, allowing Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium components to achieve 50% greater hardness, maximized thermal stability, and 3x better corrosion resistance. Visit our about page to explore our proven CNC 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
ylc-machining specializes in transforming Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium surfaces into ultra-hard ceramic layers. Our advanced Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) coating process is engineered for diverse wrought and cast alloys, delivering a metallurgical bond that improves wear resistance by 300% and significantly outperforms traditional hard anodizing in extreme industrial environments.
Whether working with high-silicon die-cast aluminum (ADC12/A380) or aerospace-grade magnesium (AZ91D), our Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) services ensure 100% uniform ceramic growth. We maintain strict <±5µm tolerances while boosting surface hardness to HV 1200+ and improving wear resistance by 300%, 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 $alpha-Al_2O_3$ layer, delivering 400% greater wear resistance and withstanding 800°C oxidation where standard coatings fail.
Magnesium Alloys
Tailored for AZ31, AZ91, and AM60. We solve magnesium's corrosion vulnerability with an advanced ceramic shield, achieving 500+ hours in salt spray testing and 40% extended lifespan for aerospace and drone components.
Titanium & Biocompatibility
Advanced PEO coatings for TC4 and TA2 alloys. We produce bioactive, porous surfaces accelerating medical implant osseointegration by 40%, or 3x harder wear-resistant 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 engineer precise PEO coating thicknesses from 10µm to 100µm. These robust thermal barriers withstand instantaneous 2000°C thermal shocks, guaranteeing 0% cracking and extending component lifespan by up to 300%.
Dielectric Strength & Corrosion Protection
Providing high breakdown voltage (>1000V) and 500+ hours of salt spray resistance to extend lifespan by 40%, our advanced 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 coatings utilize high-voltage plasma discharge to transform the metal surface into a crystalline ceramic layer. This "in-situ" growth creates an indestructible metallurgical bond, offering 5x higher wear resistance than 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 an advanced low-temperature electrochemical process that forms a dense 50µm aluminum oxide film. While highly effective for industrial applications, delivering 60+ HRC hardness, it remains susceptible to micro-cracking under thermal loads exceeding 320°C. This precision anodizing process guarantees exceptionally 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 2000HV durability and thermal resistance. Opt for Hard Anodizing when precise ±0.001" dimensional stability and 30% more 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 1,000-hour atmospheric corrosion with 2000-HV ceramic-hard PEO layers.
Medical & Surgical
Enhance titanium implants with bioactive MAO surfaces. This process maximizes biocompatibility and delivers 40% faster osseointegration for dental and orthopedic devices.
Industrial Machinery
Replace heavy steel with PEO-coated aluminum rollers and guides. Achieve HV 1200+ surface hardness while reducing machine inertia by 60% and wear by 75%.
Automotive & E-Mobility
Optimize aluminum pistons and cylinder liners with advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBC) to withstand 2000°C instant impacts, increasing overall engine efficiency by 15%.
High-End Electronics
Deliver 30% enhanced heat dissipation and 1000V dielectric insulation for magnesium heat sinks, or apply 98% light-absorbing Black MAO for precision optical housings.
Energy & Marine
Shield critical energy hardware from harsh salt-spray environments with dense PEO coating barriers, delivering over 2,000 hours of ASTM B117 corrosion resistance. To explore our proven industry expertise and advanced manufacturing innovations, visit our about us page.
Precision Dimensional Control & Masking
Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) creates an ultra-hard ceramic layer that grows both inward and outward in a precise 50/50 ratio. ylc-machining eliminates tolerance failure risks, achieving 99.9% dimensional accuracy by integrating precision CNC machining with coating expertise, calculating sub-micron compensation before the plasma process begins. Visit our about page for detailed manufacturing 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) by ylc-machining delivers a matte ceramic-like finish balancing technical performance with high-end design. Proven up to 3x harder, our PEO coatings offer a sophisticated, non-reflective appearance that reduces surface wear by 80%, ideal for precision aerospace, optical, and medical applications. Visit our about us page for detailed company insights.
Advanced Surface Appearance
The in-situ growth of the ceramic layer boosts wear resistance by 40%, producing distinct tactile textures from 120-grit 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, boosting adhesion by 50% as 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
ylc-machining bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial-scale application with 99.9% process repeatability. To learn more about our precision expertise, visit our about page. Our Micro-Arc Oxidation facilities are engineered to scale with your project lifecycle, ensuring the same 2000 HV diamond-hard ceramic performance on your first functional prototype as on your 100,000-unit 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 ylc-machining, 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 (up to 2000 HV) of every ceramic layer, ensuring your CNC parts withstand extreme aerospace and medical environments. By extending component lifespan up to 300%, our rigorous quality assurance guarantees elite standards.
- Hardness & Thickness Profiling: Vickers micro-hardness testing (HV 800-1500) and eddy current gauging for precise film thickness control.
- ASTM B117 Corrosion Testing: Verified salt spray performance guaranteeing 500+ hours of protection for Magnesium and Aluminum alloys.
- 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 precision CNC machined components featuring advanced Micro-Arc Oxidation (PEO). From lightweight magnesium housings to biocompatible titanium implants, we deliver 4x higher ceramic-level wear protection and a 50% longer lifespan for mission-critical applications. For more examples, visit our gallery.
Aluminum Ceramic Coating (MAO)
High-hardness Al2O3 layers on 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys deliver a 500+ HV wear-resistant barrier, extending component lifespan 40% beyond traditional hard anodizing.
Bioactive Titanium PEO
Biocompatible titanium surface modifications for medical implants, engineered to accelerate osseointegration by 40% and double chemical resistance.
Precision MAO Finishing
Advanced plasma electrolytic oxidation delivers >2000V dielectric strength and 1500°C thermal stability for critical aerospace-grade components.
Magnesium Corrosion Shield
Advanced PEO coatings for AZ31 and AZ91D magnesium alloys, delivering 40% enhanced durability and salt spray resistance exceeding 500 hours for lightweight UAV parts.
Black PEO for Optoelectronics
Functional black micro-arc oxidation achieving <2% low light reflection and ≥0.9 high thermal radiation in precision optical systems.
Custom Die-Cast MAO Solutions
Advanced ceramic coatings for high-silicon die-casting alloys (ADC12, A380) incompatible with standard anodizing, yielding 99% surface adhesion.