INCERTEC

Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is a must for businesses wanting to work with the Department of Defense, or with contractors or vendors that already provide products and services to the DoD. INCERTEC takes security and data protection requirements very seriously, so we have followed the necessary steps to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Through this certification, we prove that our cybersecurity framework and practices meet governmental regulations to provide our top-quality metal finishing services, including plating, anodizing and heat treatment, for various companies and agencies within the defense industry.

What Is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification?

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is, according to the DoD, the framework of “required cybersecurity standards for nonfederal information systems that will process, store, or transmit [Federal Contract Information] or CUI.” There are three tiers of the CMMC model that scale from basic self-assessment and FAR clause 52.204-21 compliance to a third level certification (rolling out in 2027) of higher-level protection against advanced persistent threats.

What Are CMMC Requirements?

Each level of CMMC has progressively more stringent standards that must be met:

• Level 1 — To achieve Level 1 of CMMC, companies must complete an annual self-assessment and annual affirmation of compliance to each of the 15 security requirements laid out in FAR clause 52.204-21.
• Level 2 — For Level 2, businesses must complete either a self-assessment or an independent assessment by an authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) every three years. In addition, companies must verify compliance with the 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3 every year.
• Level 3 (coming 2027) — To achieve Level 3 (once available), businesses must have achieved CMMC Level 2. Then, they must undergo an assessment conducted by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s (DCMA) Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC). They must also provide annual verification of compliance with the 24 additional requirements from NIST SP 800-172.

The Value of CMMC Certification

By achieving CMMC, INCERTEC proves that our cybersecurity program is robust and compliant with DoD standards. This allows us to take on defense industry work that includes CUI while also ensuring our security posture is mature, reliable and capable of keeping data secure.

INCERTEC: CMMC Compliant Metal Finishing for the Defense Industry

CMMC is one of the many vital certifications that INCERTEC has achieved, further establishing our company as a trusted and security-conscious partner for governmental agencies and vendors that work within the defense industry. And with regional coverage in Minnesota, Indiana, Florida and Mexico, we have a wide range of metal finishing capabilities that are ideally suited for the defense industry.

If you want to learn more about our CMMC standing, reach out to our team. Want to get started on a project? Give us a call or request a quote today.

The details of INCERTEC’s recent acquisition of Metal-Tek, Inc. have been featured on the Finishing & Coating website — including our expanded service list, transition plan and more.

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INCERTEC has recently been featured by The Monty after our recent acquisition of Metal-Tek, Inc. The Monty has been a mainstay for heat treatment news, interviews and equipment and we were proud to be featured as a piece of bright news amid a slew of closures.

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What is NADCAP accreditation? NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is a global program that sets the standards for aerospace engineering, defense and related industries.

What Does it Take to be NADCAP Certified?

There is a very detailed process that goes into NADCAP certification, including establishing an approved quality management system (QMS), passing a stringent on-site audit and a review of that audit by special process experts.

Why Is NADCAP So Important?

NADCAP is critical for manufacturers, as it allows them to quickly know that services like heat treating, painting and coating adhere to the exacting industry standards of quality, reliability and consistency. NADCAP also shows that a service provider can help streamline the overall manufacturing process, since they have proven their ability to maintain compliance with high quality standards while working quickly and efficiently.

What Is The Difference Between NADCAP, AS9100, and ISO 9001?

Generally speaking, specificity. ISO 9001 is the broadest of the three certifications, ensuring that your QMS meets the global standards for performance, customer satisfaction and commitment to quality. AS9100 is built on the ISO 9001 standard, but adds specific standards and requirements for the aerospace industry and is produced by the International Aerospace Quality Group. NADCAP is even more specific, applying to individual services like heat treatment, painting, coating, chemical processing, and many others.

INCERTEC’s NADCAP Accreditations

INCERTEC is proud to offer a number of NADCP accredited services for our partners in the aerospace and defense industries. These include our overall accreditation for our Aerospace Quality System, as well as our painting, chemical processing and non-destructive testing services.

NADCAP Accredited Painting Services

Polyurethane painting improves durability, UV resistance and general flexibility for metal parts that are used outdoors or are subjected to harsh working conditions. Our polyurethane painting services meet many NADCAP mil-spec standards of excellence and performance including:

• MIL–P–85582
• MIL–P–53022
• MIL–P–23377
• MIL–PRF–85582
• MIL–PRF–85285
• MIL–PRF–23377
• MIL–DTL–53039
• MIL–C–85285
• MIL–C–53039

NADCAP Chemical Processing

INCERTEC’s chemical processing NADCAP certification includes our plating, anodizing and heat treatment services.

NADCAP Non-Destructive Testing

There are a wide range of NADCAP certified non-destructive testing services that we can provide for all kinds of parts, including:

• Advanced material analysis
• Eddy current testing
• Magnetic induction
• X-Ray analysis

These tests, along with our other testing services, helps ensure that critical parts have the strength, durability and resilience to hold up in the harsh environments that are common in the aerospace and defense sectors.

NADCAP Aerospace Quality System

This accreditation ensures that our overall system of procedures and processes meet the necessary regulatory, reliability and safety standards of the aerospace industry.

Explore INCERTEC’s NADCAP-Accredited Services

Get the high-quality, NADCAP-certified services your parts need by working with INCERTEC. Start by checking out all of our NADCAP services or reach out to us for additional information about our NADCAP certifications.

INCERTEC has been featured in Hometown News, a local publication for Volusia County, Florida, as one of three companies moving to the town of Edgewater. This relocation of INCERTEC’s Florida location, formerly Synergy Metal Finishing of Titusville, is set to put INCERTEC in close proximity to the Space Coast and Daytona Beach, enhancing the ability to serve aerospace and defense clients. Read more about the relocation, future expansion and more.

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We are proud to announce that INCERTEC has acquired Metal-Tek, Inc., a trusted name in the heat treating industry for nearly 50 years. Now operating as Metal-Tek, LLC, the company will continue to serve OEMs across aerospace, military and defense, medical devices, automotive and industrial markets — now strengthened by INCERTEC’s resources, certifications and customer support.

George Fuglsang, Metal-Tek’s long-standing leader, will remain on staff for a minimum of one year to ensure a seamless transition and continuity for clients.

Explore Our New Services

This acquisition strengthens INCERTEC’s position in the Midwest heat treating market and adds several highly specialized capabilities to our portfolio. As a result, INCERTEC now offers the following:

• Induction Hardening services — precision heat treatment that increases surface strength and fatigue resistance
• Metal Straightening services — post-heat treat straightening to restore dimensional accuracy and geometry
• Material Testing services — comprehensive metallurgical and non-destructive material testing to verify compliance and performance

Ready to take advantage of these new capabilities? Request a Quote or contact our team to discuss your project.

What Changes for Metal-Tek, Inc. Clients?

For Metal-Tek’s valued clients, very little will change. Our priority is to keep service levels consistent while introducing additional benefits.

• Staffing: All Metal-Tek employees remain in place, including George Fuglsang, who will support the transition
• Facility: The same Minnesota facility continues operations under the INCERTEC umbrella
• Phone Numbers: No changes — you may continue calling your usual contacts
• Email Addresses: Over the coming weeks, emails will transition to the incertec.com domain. During the transition, all existing Metal-Tek emails will remain functional
• Invoicing: Invoices will now be managed at INCERTEC corporate headquarters — 500 73rd Ave N.E., Ste 123, Fridley, MN 55432

Common Client Questions

Will my current projects be affected?

No. All projects in progress will continue without interruption, handled by the same Metal-Tek staff you already know.

Do I need to change how I submit RFQs or orders?

RFQs should now be directed to [email protected], but all existing channels will remain open during the transition.

Who do I contact for invoices or technical questions?

• Production Planning: George Fuglsang ([email protected]) & Steve Broden ([email protected])
• RFQs: [email protected]
• Invoicing/Accounts: Gina Johnson ([email protected])
• Technical/Sales/NDA/W-9: Ryan Miller & George Fuglsang ([email protected])

Reach Out With More Questions About the Acquisition

We understand that change brings questions, and we’re here to provide answers.

Call us at (763) 373-7533 or contact us online with your questions about the INCERTEC acquisition of Metal-Tek, Inc.

With this acquisition, you can count on the same trusted service you’ve always received from Metal-Tek, Inc., now paired with INCERTEC’s broader capabilities, certifications, and support.

INCERTEC has been featured in a recent Products Finishing article focusing on their growth in Florida’s aerospace market. Learn how expansion into heat treatment and liquid painting services have helped INCERTEC quickly become one of the main players in the Sunshine State’s aerospace and defense industries.

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Gas fan quenching is the process of introducing a gas into a vacuum furnace in order to quickly and reliably cool the heat-treated parts at a controlled rate. The types of gases that can be used in this process include:

• Argon
• Helium
• Hydrogen
• Nitrogen

Sometimes, these gases are used in combination to quench parts. At INCERTEC, we use nitrogen for all of our gas quenching. There are other quenching mediums available, including oil and water, so be sure you have a thorough understanding of each method before choosing the quench that is best for your components. Need some help deciding on the best quenching process for your parts? Reach out to the experts at INCERTEC for trusted insight and proven solutions.

What Is Gas Fan Quenching?

Gas fan quenching is the process of cooling heated parts by introducing a gas into a vacuum furnace chamber after parts have undergone heat treatment. Doing this in a controlled way allows parts to be quickly and uniformly cooled without removing them from the chamber.

What Are the Three Types of Quenching?

There are three methods for quenching: oil, water and gas. Oil and water quenching can be less uniform than gas, making it more likely for the parts to be distorted during quenching. Both of these methods also require disposal of the water or oil, which adds time, effort and cost to the process. At INCERTEC we only vacuum quench with nitrogen gas, as it offers the greatest range of benefits and is versatile enough to work with all kinds of parts.

Benefits of Gas Fan Quenching

Quenching parts with nitrogen gas has many benefits — overall, the process is quick, efficient and cost-effective without sacrificing the quality of the results. Specifically, vacuum gas quenching provides uniform cooling, a bright and clean surface finish, minimizes quench cracking and is an environmentally friendly process, especially when compared to other quenching methods. The process is ideally suited for both alloys and ferrous metals, including various types of steel.

Uniform Cooling

By cooling parts evenly and uniformly, gas quenching reduces the possibility of cracking or distortions. This means the parts will keep the properties of their heat treatment and are less likely to fail during use, making the gas quenching process a good fit for parts like gears, bearings and similar automotive components that need to be as strong and structurally sound as possible to extend their service life.

Cleaner Surface Finish

Gas leaves no residue or scale behind after quenching, unlike liquid quenching mediums. This means that once parts are quenched, they have a bright, smooth surface that needs no further post treatment, making it ideal for parts that require precision — like turbines in the aerospace industry.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Gas quenching is an environmentally friendly quenching option that does not require harmful chemicals or liquids. Nitrogen is not a harmful gas and produces no problem side effects. INCERTEC is proud to be RoHS compliant and gas quenching plays a big role in that certification.

Stress relieving and normalizing, two heat treating processes, can be used to improve the quality and reduce the imperfections in iron and steel parts. Stress relieving heat treatment will reduce, or relieve, the internal stresses of parts after fabrication by heating parts to a temperature below their critical point and cooled slowly. After being welded, formed or cut, stress relieving reduces the chances of parts cracking, warping or distorting during use.

Normalizing is also used to improve parts, but by heating them beyond their critical point and allowing them to cool. This will improve the grain structure of the metal and increase its toughness and strength.

Some commonly relieved and normalized parts include:

Stress Relieved

• Dies
• Gears
• Jigs
• Molds
• Shafts
• Spindles

Normalized

• Axles
• Connecting rods
• Crankshafts
• Fasteners
• Gears
• Pressure vessel components

Ready to get started with INCERTEC’s stress relief or normalizing heat treatment services? Contact us today to request a quote or get more information.

Equipment Used in Stress Relieving Heat Treatment

There are two types of stress relieving: vacuum and air. While both will relieve internal stress they are slightly different in practice. Air stress relieving uses open air to cool the parts after they are heated. This method is cost-effective and fairly efficient. Vacuum stress relieving uses the vacuum furnace to cool the parts after they are heated. The lack of atmosphere helps keep the parts scale-free, so they won’t need to be washed after the process.

Benefits of Stress Relieving Heat Treatment and Normalizing

There are many benefits of both stress relieving and normalizing, let’s break them down here:
Stress Relieving

• Increased fatigue resistance
• Minimized risk of distortion and cracking
• Improved dimensional stability
• Better machinability
• Extended service life

Normalizing

• Improved hardness and strength
• Increased toughness
• Controlled dimensional changes
• Better ductility
• Minimized risk of distortion and cracking
• Extended service life

These processes are well suited for parts that will be used in a wide range of industries, including the automotive, manufacturing and construction industries.

Best Metals for Stress Relieving and Normalizing

The materials that respond the best to both stress relieving and normalizing are iron and all kinds of steels. These materials gain the most from the dimensional stability imparted by these processes.

Vacuum tempering is a heat treatment process that is used after an initial hardening process. Parts are placed in vacuum chamber, reheated and cooled based on specific parameters to achieve the following results:

• Enhance toughness
• Prevent corrosion
• Achieve the desired hardness
• Reduce brittleness
• Avoid discoloration
• Achieve a bright and scale-free finish

Many parts made of various materials can be improved by vacuum tempering, including critical components used in the firearms, automotive and aerospace industries.

Want to speak with one of our experts about vacuum tempering? Contact us today!

Equipment Used in Vacuum Tempering

Vacuum tempering uses a sealed vacuum furnace chamber to create a no- or low-pressure environment. Air and other gases are removed to create an inert environment to ensure the parts are not contaminated. The vacuum chamber can be heated to a range of temperatures based on the needs of the material being tempered.

Steps in the Vacuum Tempering Process

Depending on the parts and materials being tempered, INCERTEC can alter the heat and time the entire process takes. However, there are some constants, such as the use of the vacuum chamber to keep the parts free of contaminants and in a stable environment. The rest of the process generally follows these steps:

1. The parts completely finish the vacuum hardening process
2. Parts are racked to avoid distortion and are put into the vacuum chamber
3. The atmosphere is removed from the chamber
4. The chamber is brought up to the required temperature based on the materials being tempered
5. The parts are slowly cooled before being removed from the chamber

Best Metals for Vacuum Tempering

Vacuum tempering has many benefits, including being an eco-friendly, efficient and fast solution for parts that require the benefits of the process. Tempering is also compatible with many different types of metals, including:

• PH steels such as 13-8, 15-5 and 17-4
• Stainless steel
• Tool steels
• Copper
• And more!