Programs Designed Around Your Development Stage

From initial feasibility through long-term production partnership, DRS structures engagements to match your program timeline, budget, and technical risk profile.

Four Engagement Programs

Phase I6–12 months

Custom Coating Development

Full development cycle from alloy selection through process optimization and performance validation. Deliverables include optimized coating spec, test data package, and process control document.

  • Alloy composition selection
  • Process parameter development
  • Performance test data package
  • Process control documentation
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Most Common
Phase II3–6 months

Pilot Component Production

Low-rate production of coated components for qualification testing or field trials. Includes first-article inspection, process traveler, and certificate of conformance.

  • First-article inspection
  • Process traveler documents
  • Certificate of conformance
  • Statistical process data
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Phase III4–8 months

Process Optimization

Targeted improvement of an existing thermal spray process to achieve higher adhesion, lower porosity, or improved consistency. DOE-based methodology with full statistical reporting.

  • Baseline performance assessment
  • DOE experimental design
  • Optimized parameter set
  • Capability study (Cpk)
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Phase IV1–3 years

Long-Term Partnership

Ongoing technical partnership covering production support, continuous improvement, and collaborative R&D for next-generation coating systems aligned with your product roadmap.

  • Dedicated engineering support
  • Quarterly technical reviews
  • Continuous improvement program
  • Joint IP development options
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4-Phase Commercialization Timeline

4–8 weeks
Phase 1

Feasibility & Scoping

  • Requirements analysis
  • Literature review
  • Preliminary alloy selection
  • Program proposal
3–9 months
Phase 2

Development & Optimization

  • Composition optimization
  • Process development
  • Specimen fabrication
  • Initial testing
2–6 months
Phase 3

Qualification Testing

  • Full property characterization
  • Environmental testing
  • Component-level validation
  • Data package
3–12 months
Phase 4

Production Transition

  • Process scale-up
  • Operator qualification
  • Quality plan
  • Production readiness review

Not sure which program fits your needs?

Our engineers will help you scope the right engagement based on your technology readiness level and timeline.