Aluminum Coating

Aluminum Coatings for Castings

Since 1957, Watry Industries has been a trusted name in the U.S. aluminum casting industry. From its headquarters in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Watry has built a reputation as one of the most advanced and knowledgeable aluminum foundries in North America. Serving OEMs across automotive, marine, HVAC, agricultural, and industrial markets, Watry delivers high-quality aluminum components designed to meet the most demanding performance standards.

At the center of this expertise is Watry’s aluminum coating process—a precision finishing solution engineered to protect, enhance, and extend the life of aluminum castings. Integrated directly into Watry’s in-house  

Image of aluminum castings coatings at Watry Industries

casting and machining operations, aluminum coating provides superior surface integrity, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Whether a component requires a protective coating for harsh environments or a functional layer for enhanced performance, Watry delivers complete, end-to-end quality under one roof.

Advantages of Our Aluminum Coating Process

Watry Industries provides a complete aluminum casting and finishing solution, combining advanced aluminum coating techniques with precision casting and machining. Unlike suppliers who outsource surface treatments, Watry integrates coating directly into its production workflow—ensuring total control over surface quality, adhesion, and consistency.

Comprehensive Aluminum Coating Options

Watry offers a variety of specialized aluminum coating processes to meet the needs of diverse applications and environments:

  • Anodizing: An electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminum, providing excellent corrosion resistance, improved wear properties, and the option for decorative coloration. Ideal for parts exposed to outdoor or marine conditions.
  • Chromate (Alodine): A chemical conversion coating that enhances corrosion protection and paint adhesion. Commonly used on components that will be painted or require conductive surfaces.
  • Powder Coat: A dry powder applied electrostatically and cured under heat to form a hard, durable, and decorative finish. Offers excellent impact resistance and is available in a wide range of colors and textures.
  • E-Coat: An electro-deposition coating that delivers uniform coverage and corrosion resistance, even on complex geometries or recessed areas. Though less common for aluminum, it provides reliable protection in high-moisture environments.
  • Non-Stick Coating: PTFE-based or fluoropolymer coatings used to reduce friction and improve cleanability—ideal for industrial, food-processing, or machinery applications.
  • Plating: Specialized pre-treatments allow other metals—such as nickel or chrome—to be deposited onto aluminum for enhanced hardness, conductivity, or appearance.

These coating options allow Watry to tailor each component’s surface characteristics to its intended function—whether that’s corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, wear protection, or cosmetic appeal.

Superior Surface Protection

Watry’s aluminum coating process is engineered to provide superior protection against corrosion, wear, and environmental degradation. By applying coatings immediately after machining and cleaning, Watry ensures that every surface is properly prepared and bonded. The result is long-lasting durability and resistance to oxidation, even in demanding industrial or marine environments.

Seamless Integration with Casting and Machining

Every coated part begins as a precision-engineered aluminum casting. Watry’s foundry utilizes permanent mold, semi-permanent mold, tilt pour, and reverse tilt pour processes to produce castings with minimal porosity and optimal surface finish—ideal for high-performance coatings. Once cast, components move directly through in-house CNC machining, cleaning, and coating processes, maintaining full traceability and process control.

This seamless integration eliminates the delays and variability associated with third-party coating vendors. Watry’s engineers maintain continuous oversight from raw aluminum to the final coated product, guaranteeing consistent results and reduced lead times.

Precision Equipment and Process Control

Watry’s investment in advanced automation and quality systems allows for tight control over every stage of production. Each component undergoes inspection before and after coating to verify thickness, adhesion, and uniformity. Combined with robotic handling and precision machining, Watry ensures that every coated part meets exact specifications for both appearance and function.

Single-Source Efficiency

As a fully integrated aluminum foundry, Watry manages the complete production cycle—from molten metal through machining, finishing, and coating. This single-source capability reduces vendor complexity and improves production efficiency at every stage.

Customers benefit from:

  • Reduced lead times through synchronized casting, machining, and coating workflows.
  • Lower total production costs by eliminating multiple suppliers.
  • Improved quality assurance with end-to-end process control.
  • Streamlined logistics and faster delivery of finished, coated parts.

By consolidating these operations, Watry not only ensures coating consistency but also improves long-term reliability for manufacturers seeking turnkey aluminum component solutions.

Scale and Versatility

Watry’s aluminum coating services support a wide range of part sizes and production volumes. The company routinely produces and coats components ranging from 1 pound to 150+ pounds, with annual quantities from 300 to over 600,000 units.

Whether the application requires decorative finishes, functional coatings for industrial use, or corrosion-resistant protection for marine environments, Watry tailors each coating process to the specific material and end-use conditions. This versatility makes Watry a preferred partner for OEMs seeking consistent, production-ready aluminum components.

Why Choose Watry Industries?

Watry’s reputation for excellence has been built over nearly seven decades of aluminum casting and finishing expertise. Founded by Mr. Nic J. Watry in 1957, the company has evolved into one of the most automated, high-tech aluminum foundries in the nation.

Operating from a 271,800-square-foot facility in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Watry continues to invest in technology, automation, and advanced finishing systems. The company’s mission remains consistent:

  • Reduce production costs
  • Reduce transportation costs
  • Shorten lead times
  • Reduce inventory
  • Eliminate headaches

This mission—combined with a deep understanding of aluminum metallurgy and surface finishing—positions Watry as a reliable partner for OEMs that value precision, quality, and long-term performance.

image of aluminum casting infrared powder coating at Watry Industries

Partner with Watry for Proven Aluminum Coating Excellence

When your application demands aluminum castings with superior surface protection and appearance, Watry Industries delivers. By integrating aluminum coating into its complete manufacturing process, Watry eliminates the disconnect between casting, machining, and finishing—ensuring every part meets the highest standards of durability and performance.

Serving customers across multiple industries, Watry provides tailored coating solutions designed to perform in real-world environments. From corrosion-resistant anodized housings to powder-coated enclosures and plated components, Watry combines engineering expertise with process control to achieve consistently excellent results.

Get in Touch

Experience the benefits of a fully integrated aluminum coating solution from one of the nation’s most advanced foundries.

Phone: (920) 452-2350
Website: https://watry.com/contact
Contact Watry Industries today to request a quote or speak directly with an aluminum coating specialist.