Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Advanced Surface Treatment & Coating Solutions
Metal Improvement has been a trusted leader in material surface treatments since 1929, building on the legacy of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers. We specialise in controlled metal surface treatments, protective coatings, and precision repair services for critical components across aerospace, oil and gas, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. With over 70 global facilities and dedicated field teams, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance component durability, reduce maintenance costs, and extend service life. Our expertise in technologies such as controlled shot peening, laser peening, and engineered performance coatings ensures compliance with rigorous industry standards including NADCAP, ISO 9001:2015, and AS9100 Rev D.We prioritise quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, offering tailored services from design consultation to onsite repair. Our commitment to research and development keeps us at the forefront of surface technology advancements, ensuring clients benefit from cutting-edge solutions. By combining heritage with innovation, we provide cost-effective, globally accessible services that meet the evolving needs of demanding industries.
Services
Controlled Shot Peening
Laser Peening
Component Coating
Engineered Performance Coatings
Onsite Repair Services
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
C.A.S.E. Super Finishing
Thermal Spray Coatings
Peentex Architectural Finishes
Additive Manufacture Post Processing
Details
- Year established: 1929
Highlights and features
- 70+ global facilities with rapid onsite repair capabilities for oversized equipment
- ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 Rev D certified quality management systems
- Patented C.A.S.E. isotropic superfinishing technology for superior surface durability
- Specialist coatings for aerospace turbine components approved by Rolls-Royce and GE
- 24/7 mobilisation of field teams for emergency industrial repairs
Associations and certifications
- NADCAP
- ISO 9001:2015
- AS9100 Rev D
Services
Controlled Shot Peening
This cold working process replaces harmful tensile stresses with beneficial compressive stresses in metal components. Spherical media indentations create subsurface compression that prevents fatigue, corrosion cracking, and stress corrosion failures. Applications include aerospace turbine blades, oil and gas equipment, and automotive transmission gears. The process parameters are precisely specified to match component geometry, material, and operating conditions.
Component Coating and Repair
Specialist overlay and diffused coatings protect components from erosion, corrosion, and high-temperature degradation. Services include vacuum brazing, thermal spray coatings, and proprietary IPCOTE systems for turbine engines. Repairs cover combustion chambers, nozzle guide vanes, and compressor blades for major OEMs like Rolls-Royce and Siemens. Facilities in Glasgow and Alfreton hold AS9100 and NADCAP certifications for aerospace repairs.
Laser Peening
High-energy laser pulses generate plasma-induced shockwaves that create deep compressive stress layers in critical components. This extends fatigue life for aerospace structures, turbine engines, and nuclear waste containers. The process maintains original surface finish while achieving 1-8mm penetration depth. Applications include wing skins and intercontinental aircraft components requiring enhanced damage tolerance.
C.A.S.E. Isotropic Finishing
Chemically assisted superfinishing combines shot peening with non-abrasive polishing to achieve mirror-like surfaces. Removes micro-asperities while retaining lubrication valleys, reducing friction by 40-60%. Ideal for gears, bearings, and medical devices where contamination resistance and low noise are critical. Process controls ensure consistent Ra
Onsite Repair Services
Mobile teams perform controlled shot peening, thermal spraying, and coating repairs at client facilities worldwide. Services target fixed equipment like bridges, turbines, and chemical plants where component removal is impractical. Field crews follow the same NADCAP-certified procedures as fixed facilities, reducing downtime by 30-50% compared to traditional methods.
Questions
What industries do Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies serve?
We serve aerospace, oil and gas, automotive, medical, and general industrial markets globally.
What accreditations does the company hold?
We maintain NADCAP, ISO 9001:2015, and AS9100 Rev D certifications across all facilities.
Can they repair large industrial components onsite?
Yes, our mobile teams handle repairs for fixed or oversized equipment worldwide.
What coating technologies are available?
We offer thermal spray, solid film lubricants, parylene conformal coatings, and PEO solutions.
How does laser peening benefit aerospace components?
It creates deep compressive stress layers that prevent crack initiation in critical parts.
What surface finishing processes are offered?
Controlled shot peening, isotropic superfinishing, and decorative architectural texturing.
