At Prime Products Inc., our expertise extends beyond our core services of spray painting, silk screening, CNC machining, laser cutting, and laser marking. To meet the exacting demands of aerospace and industrial manufacturing, we offer a wide range of additional capabilities and value-added services. From surface preparation and finishing to adhesive laminating and insert installation, these specialty processes are designed to improve durability, adhesion, functionality, and overall part quality.
Toning
Toning is a precision finishing process used to control the light emitted through laser-etched graphics on panels, dials, and buttons. By applying a specialized white paint in a dark room, we carefully balance brightness, chromaticity, and contrast. Using a lamp board, power supply, and photometer, we ensure the finished part meets strict optical performance standards — making toning a critical capability for aerospace displays and illuminated components.
Engraving and Filling
Our CNC engraving process allows us to precisely control depth and profile for high-quality results. Once engraved, parts can be filled by hand for maximum wear resistance or filled using pad printing for greater flexibility in artwork, fonts, and sharp-cornered shapes. This versatility makes our engraving and filling service ideal for both functional aerospace parts and detailed graphic applications.
Sand Blasting
Sand blasting is essential for preparing metal surfaces prior to painting. Using aluminum oxide media and adhering to TT-C-490 Method I, we create the proper surface profile to promote paint adhesion. This step is especially important for ferrous parts that require the CARC system (per MIL-DTL-53072), ensuring coatings withstand harsh aerospace and defense environments.
Liquid Honing
Liquid honing, often performed with white aluminum oxide media, enhances paint adhesion on plastic components. In addition to surface prep, liquid honing is used to control surface roughness for plastic parts that act as diffusers, ensuring consistent light transmission in aerospace and electronic applications.
Bead Blasting
Bead blasting with glass bead media provides a uniform, decorative finish on unpainted plastic parts. This process not only improves the appearance of components but also helps achieve a consistent surface texture where required.
Vibratory Tumbling
Vibratory tumbling uses ceramic media in various shapes to deburr and break the sharp edges of machined parts. This finishing step improves part safety, reduces stress concentrations, and prepares components for downstream processes such as painting, coating, or assembly.
Flame Polishing
For acrylic parts that require a glass-like finish, we provide precision flame polishing. Commonly used on light pipes and optical components, this process delivers clarity and smoothness, ensuring both functional performance and high-end appearance.
Threaded Insert Installation (Thermal Press)
Our team installs brass and stainless-steel threaded inserts into plastic components using thermal press (heat staking) methods. Pilot holes are machined to tight tolerances, and inserts are installed with carefully controlled temperature, speed, and pressure. This guarantees a secure fit without damaging the host material, critical for aerospace-grade reliability.
Annealing
Annealing is performed in our ovens to relieve stresses introduced by machining or insert installation. Stress relief prevents plastics from crazing when exposed to solvents during painting or cleaning, ensuring long-term durability and cosmetic quality.
PSA Laminating
We apply pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) to plastic sheets prior to laser cutting, enabling seamless assembly and mounting. Common PSA materials we work with include industry standards such as 3M 467MP, 468MP, 7945MP, 7952MP, F9460PC, and F9469PC, ensuring compatibility with aerospace and industrial specifications.
Coil Insert Installation
We offer installation of coil inserts (helicoils), with or without tangs, depending on customer requirements. This process strengthens threads in plastic or soft metal parts, extending part life and ensuring performance under repeated use.
Washing
Our washing processes prepare small parts for downstream finishing. Aluminum components are typically washed in MEK for proper surface prep, while plastic parts are washed with soap and water, then oven dried. Clean surfaces ensure adhesion, durability, and consistency in painting and coating processes.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate hard-to-reach areas, removing grease, oil, and debris from complex geometries. This ensures that every part — regardless of design complexity — is properly prepared for painting, bonding, or assembly.
Plasma Jet Treating
For materials that do not naturally form strong chemical bonds, plasma jet treating provides the necessary surface activation for paint, coating, or ink adhesion. This process is particularly effective for challenging materials such as silicone, polypropylene, or polyurethane coatings.
Chemical Film Touch-Up
While full chemical film processing per MIL-DTL-5541 is outsourced, we offer in-house touch-up services using MIL-DTL-81706 approved materials such as Henkel Loctite BONDERITE M-CR 1201. This ensures parts meet aerospace corrosion-resistance requirements while staying compliant with customer specifications.
Aerospace Contract Manufacturing | Prime Products, Inc.
By combining these additional capabilities with our core services, Prime Products delivers end-to-end solutions for both aerospace and industrial customers. Whether preparing a surface for paint adhesion, installing precision inserts, or applying specialty finishes, our team ensures every part meets the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability.
Contact us here or call our office at (616) 531-8970.