Nano Ceramic

Capability

Nano Ceramic Coatings

Nano ceramic is a modern conversion coating that bonds chemically to the substrate to deliver corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance. The deposit itself is extraordinarily thin, with minimal impact on dimensional fit.

It is specifically engineered as a high-performance topcoat for automotive fasteners and hardware, applied directly over zinc and zinc-alloy plating layers to provide extreme corrosion resistance. Rather than relying entirely on Zirconium oxide, this formulation functions by embedding ultra-fine nano metal oxide particles into a liquid organo-metallic matrix, which creates an exceptionally dense, thin-film chemical bond.

Process Type

Conversion Coating

Zirconium-based chemistry

Coating Weight

1–3 μm

Minimal dimensional impact

Finish Options

Clear & Black

Standard or Nano Black variant

Substrates

Multi-Metal

Steel, Zn, Zn-Fe, Zn-Ni, aluminum

Two Finish Options

Standard and Nano Black

CMC runs two nano ceramic variants. Standard nano ceramic is the clear / silver finish, preserving the underlying substrate appearance while delivering the corrosion, abrasion, and chemical-resistance benefits.

Nano Black is the black-pigmented variant. It delivers the same performance characteristics as standard nano ceramic, plus a uniform black finish — useful when parts need visual identification, design intent calls for a dark aesthetic, or the assembly is visible in the final product.

Both variants are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and resistant to acids, bases, and solvents. Both operate across the same multi-substrate compatibility envelope. The choice is driven by appearance and assembly visibility, not by performance trade-off.

Where Nano Ceramic Fits

Common Applications

Nano ceramic is specified across applications where corrosion and abrasion resistance, multi-substrate compatibility, environmental compliance, and dimensional stability all need to land on the same part. It also performs reliably through handling, packaging, and shipping, so finished parts arrive at the customer in the same condition they left the line.

  • Screw machined components — precision-turned parts where dimensional fit can't tolerate heavier conversion coatings
  • Stampings — formed sheet-metal parts that face corrosion exposure in service
  • Welded components — assembly hardware that's pre-treated before downstream processing
  • Castings — including aluminum castings where nano ceramic applies directly without the substrate prep that other systems require
  • Fasteners — bolts, nuts, washers, clips, and the high-volume threaded hardware where consistent finish across mixed substrates matters
  • Brackets and fittings — general industrial and automotive hardware

Multi-Substrate Compatibility

One Process, Multiple Materials

Traditional conversion coatings are substrate-specific: a phosphate bath optimized for steel needs different chemistry to perform on aluminum or zinc. Nano ceramic was engineered around one chemistry that works across a multi-metal supply chain. CMC's nano ceramic applies cleanly over:

  • Bare steel — direct application as the corrosion-protection layer
  • Zinc-plated parts — adds abrasion and chemical resistance over the zinc
  • Zinc-iron plated parts — extends performance of the zinc-iron layer
  • Zinc-nickel plated parts — stacks with the severe-duty corrosion finish for total system protection
  • Aluminum castings — direct application without the multi-step substrate prep aluminum normally requires

For programs running mixed substrates (a common reality in automotive, industrial, and appliance assemblies), this consolidates pre-treatment into a single process flow rather than splitting work across multiple specialized lines.

Specifications & Standards

Standards We Can Meet

Industry Standards

ASTM B117

Salt-spray testing standard, used to validate nano ceramic corrosion performance

OEM Specifications

GMW 14671

GM nano ceramic pretreatment specification

Quality & Environmental

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system across all facilities

RoHS, REACH, ELV

No phosphorus, no heavy metals — compliant with global environmental directives

Specifying nano ceramic for a part?

Send us a drawing, a corrosion or paint-adhesion specification, or a part description. We’ll confirm whether nano ceramic is the right fit for your substrate, your operating environment, and your finish requirements — clear or Nano Black — and walk through the process before anything goes on a line.