Alexandria Metal Finishers R&D/Special Projects

Over nearly 45 years in finishing, Alexandria is proud to have been involved in many Research & Development Projects. These projects have included the following:

International Space Station
When a cross-country search arose for a supplier to gold plate parts destined for the International Space Station, the search team had some critical requirements: a supplier with extraordinary process control and lab facilities, a R&D team to assist in the development of the specific procedures, and an inspection department for the 100% inspection required. Recognizing the strength of its quality department and the support available, Alexandria Metal Finishers was chosen to assist in this critical program.

Titan Missile
When design engineers on the Titan Missile project decided to investigate hardcoat anodize as a method of improving the wear/abrasion resistance of their aluminum mandrels, they were on the right track. The catch? The parts were 8 ft. in diameter, 10 ft. high, and weighed 8500 lbs. - too large for any anodize facility in the nation. Working closely with the Titan team, Alexandria Metal Finishers provided a special set-up and hard anodized these remarkably large parts. Upon completion of this program, Alexandria received recognition for the "can do" attitude that enabled the project to move from design to completion.

Washington Monument Restoration Project
Although not easily visible from 500 feet below, there is a lighting protection system surrounding the peak of the Washington Monument. In 1999, as part of the extensive three year Monument Restoration project, this lightning rod required recoating. The chosen supplier would need to be able to gold plate lengths as long as 25 feet. For this project Alexandria Metal Finishers team engineered a special set-up completing the re-plating as required by the National Park Service, and allowing the system to be back in place in time for the fireworks signalling the arrival of the new millenium.

Smithsonian Institution
When the national Air and Space Museum needed a finishing facility to duplicate the nickel process originally plated on the Curtiss V8 Cycle in the early 1900's, Alexandria Metal Finishers' team was chosen. Once completed, this historic artifact was placed on exhibit in the National Air & Space Museum's Early Flight Gallery to commemorate the 90th anniversary of its famous speed record.

National Archives & Records Administration
"Charters of Freedom": These words are the collective name given to The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. When it came time to redesign the encasements for these vital documents, Alexandria Metal Finishers was chosen to work with the elite design team. In conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technologies and the National Archives and Records Administration, coatings were selected for these encasements. These new encasements, designed to be both attractive and functional, will help to ensure that the original words are preserved and yet accessible - for generations to come.

Other projects have included:
- .020" silver for the NASA wind tunnel project
- .010" gold for sealing applications for Lockheed Martin
- Nickel plating of inconel parts 110" long
- Hardcoat with Teflon on 2200 series aluminum
- Gold Plating of the Kennedy Center Honor Awards