Frequently Asked Questions

Sub Source, Inc. provides complete metal finishing, industrial coating, and nondestructive testing (NDT) services for manufacturers across multiple industries. Our capabilities include powder coating, liquid paint coatings, dry film lubricants, black oxide, passivation, chem film (conversion coating), zinc phosphating, manganese phosphate, iron phosphate, ultrasonic cleaning, vapor degreasing, grit blasting, liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), and more.

As a single-source provider, we help manufacturers reduce outsourcing, simplify supply chains, and improve turnaround times.

Sub Source supports manufacturers in industries including:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Automotive
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Energy
• Power Generation
• Communications
• Industrial Manufacturing

We understand the demanding quality, durability, and compliance requirements these industries require.

Metal finishing is the process of preparing, treating, coating, or modifying a metal surface to improve its performance, appearance, durability, or corrosion resistance.

Common metal finishing services include:

• Black oxide
• Passivation
• Chem film
• Phosphating
• Grit blasting
• Cleaning and degreasing
• Specialty coatings

Metal finishing helps extend part life while improving reliability and appearance.

Powder coating is a dry finishing process where electrostatically charged powder is applied to a metal surface and cured under heat to create a durable protective coating.

Benefits of powder coating include:

• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Strong impact resistance
• Long-lasting finish
• Environmentally friendly process
• Uniform coverage
• Wide color and texture options

Powder coating is commonly used in industrial, automotive, agricultural, and commercial manufacturing applications.

Black oxide is a chemical conversion coating applied to ferrous metals that creates a dark black finish while providing mild corrosion resistance and improved appearance.

Black oxide benefits include:

• Minimal dimensional change
• Improved lubricity
• Reduced friction
• Enhanced cosmetic appearance
• Better corrosion resistance when sealed with oil or wax

This finish is commonly used for fasteners, tooling, gears, and precision machined parts.

Passivation is a chemical treatment process used primarily on stainless steel to remove free iron and surface contaminants while improving corrosion resistance.

Benefits of passivation include:

• Increased corrosion protection
• Improved stainless steel performance
• Removal of contamination from machining or fabrication
• Enhanced component longevity

Passivation is often required for aerospace, medical, food processing, and industrial applications.

Chem film, also known as chromate conversion coating, is a protective chemical treatment used on aluminum surfaces.

Chem film provides:

• Corrosion resistance
• Improved paint adhesion
• Electrical conductivity
• Surface protection without significant dimensional change

It is commonly used in aerospace, electronics, military, and industrial manufacturing.

Dry film lubricant coatings are specialty coatings designed to reduce friction, wear, and galling between moving metal surfaces.

Advantages include:

• Lower friction
• Improved wear resistance
• Excellent performance in high-load environments
• Cleaner operation compared to grease or oil lubrication
• Improved assembly performance

Dry film lubricants are ideal for aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial components.

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a quality inspection process used to detect defects, cracks, discontinuities, or flaws in materials and components without damaging the part.

NDT helps manufacturers:

• Improve quality control
• Prevent part failures
• Meet industry compliance standards
• Reduce scrap costs
• Ensure safety and performance

Sub Source offers several NDT inspection methods including:

Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI)

Used to detect surface-breaking cracks or defects in non-porous materials.

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI / Magnaflux)

Used to identify cracks or discontinuities in ferrous materials.

Nital Etch Inspection

Used to verify material structure and detect metallurgical issues.

These inspection methods help ensure critical components meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Working with a single-source provider offers several advantages:

• Faster turnaround times
• Fewer vendors to manage
• Better quality control
• Reduced shipping costs
• Simplified communication
• Improved project coordination

Sub Source combines coating, finishing, cleaning, and inspection services under one roof to streamline your production process.

Yes. Sub Source supports aerospace and defense manufacturers with specialized coatings, metal finishing, and nondestructive testing services designed for demanding applications.

Our team works with manufacturers that require high precision, strict process control, and dependable quality.

Getting a quote is simple.

Contact Sub Source with:

• Part details
• Material type
• Required finishing or testing process
• Quantity
• Specifications or drawings
• Delivery timeline

Our team will review your requirements and provide a fast response.