WHAT IS CARC AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) is the standard paint used for military hardware. Its primary purpose is to protect military equipment and personnel by ensuring that equipment can be decontaminated and reused after exposure to biological, chemical, or nuclear agents. This makes CARC a critical component of military preparedness.

 

CAN CERAKOTE BE USED IN PLACE OF CARC PAINT?

THE ANSWER: YES.

Cerakote ceramic coatings meet and often exceed the performance and functionality requirements of CARC coatings. Cerakote has already been successfully used as a replacement for CARC in applications such as:

  • Mobile electronics
  • Communication devices
  • Vehicle suspensions
  • Weapon systems
  • Microwave and radar equipment

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WHAT ARE CARC COATINGS’ DEFICIENCIES, AND WHY ARE THEY COSTLY?

DEFICIENCIES OF CARC COATINGS

THICKNESS AND APPLICATION CHALLENGES

  • Requires primers, pretreatments, and heavy, thick coats.
  • Thick coatings can interfere with tight-tolerance parts.
  •  Excessive coating buildup can cause cracking or chipping during assembly, as well as higher rejection rates during production.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

  • Contains hazardous components such as:
    • Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI).
    • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
    • Isocyanates (HDI).
  • These chemicals pose risks during application and sanding, requiring strict safety measures.

THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVES

There is a growing demand for coatings that are:

  • More cost-effective.
  • Capable of protecting tight-tolerance components.
  • Safer and environmentally friendly.

ADVANTAGES OF CERAKOTE OVER CARC

Cerakote’s combination of precision, durability, and chemical resistance makes it an ideal replacement for CARC in many industries.

THIN-FILM APPLICATION

  • Applied at a much thinner layer than CARC (0.5-1.0 mil).
  • Ideal for tight-tolerance applications without the risk of cracking or chipping.

DIRECT-TO-SUBSTRATE APPLICATION

  • Requires no primers or pretreatments.
  • Can be applied directly to metals, polymers, and composites.

LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTION

  • Reduces weight compared to CARC, improving the operational range of equipment like vehicles and drones.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

    • Protects against harsh solvents, fuels, and corrosive substances.

NEAR-INFRARED (NIR) CAMOUFLAGE

  • Certain Cerakote formulations include NiR camouflage properties, reducing infrared visibility for stealth applications.
  • Suitable for concealment in both visual and infrared spectrums.

VERSATILITY

  • Can be used on a wide variety of substrates and surfaces.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFER

  • Does not contain harmful chemicals like TDI or HDI and is VOC compliant in all 50 states.

CONCLUSION

Cerakote is a proven alternative to CARC paint, offering:

  • Superior performance in tight-tolerance applications.
  • Cost savings due to simplified application and reduced rework.
  • Lightweight, durable protection.
  • Advanced chemical resistance comparable to CARC.
  • Near-infrared camouflage for stealth and military applications.
  • A safer and more environmentally friendly solution for military and civilian needs.