Featured Engineered to Order Firearms Solutions

Automated Handgun Frame Preparation

A prominent handgun manufacturer required a fully automated blasting solution to prepare pistol frames for coating and final assembly. The application called for aluminum oxide media to achieve a consistent surface texture for enhanced coating adhesion and cosmetic uniformity. The solution needed to support extremely high production throughput, ensure repeatable surface finishes, and minimize manual intervention. Additional priorities included reducing operator exposure, lowering cycle times, and enabling data-driven process control.
Clemco partnered with the manufacturer’s engineering and operations teams to co-develop a high-efficiency robotic blasting system that could be seamlessly integrated into the production line. The design process focused on:
- Analyzing frame geometries and surface requirements to define precise blast coverage paths
- Selecting aluminum oxide grain size, blast pressure, and nozzle configurations for material compatibility and surface profile optimization
- Integrating robotic blast arms with custom motion programming for uniform coverage
- Designing a robust HMI interface with programmable recipes to accommodate multiple frame styles and cycle types
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and factory automation protocols
Clemco delivered a turnkey automated blast cabinet system purpose-built for pistol frame processing, including:
- Multi-axis robotic blasting arms for highly accurate, repeatable nozzle control across complex contours
- A touchscreen HMI control system for intuitive recipe selection, cycle diagnostics, and production monitoring
- Media reclaim and dust collection systems engineered to maintain abrasive purity and optimal visibility
- Custom fixture designs and automated loading interfaces for rapid changeovers between frame SKUs
- Industrial-grade construction for 24/7 continuous operation in high-output manufacturing environments
The final solution enabled the manufacturer to achieve exceptional surface consistency, dramatically increased throughput, and reduced labor costs, while supporting tight process control and reliable long-term performance—critical to maintaining brand quality and production targets in the competitive firearms market.

A major handgun manufacturer needed a fully automated blasting solution to prepare pistol frames, slides, and components for Cerakote ceramic coating application. The surface prep process had to ensure uniform, high-adhesion textures using aluminum oxide abrasive, while meeting extremely high production demands. The system also needed to support consistent surface quality, reduce operator fatigue, and maintain compatibility with automated coating workflows downstream.
Clemco collaborated with the manufacturer’s production engineering and coating teams to develop a precision-engineered blasting cabinet built for scalability and repeatability. Key design steps included:
- Evaluating Cerakote finish requirements to define the optimal surface profile, media size, and blast intensity
- Engineering robotic blasting arms for consistent motion control over complex pistol geometries
- Creating programmable blast cycles via a robust HMI interface, enabling quick recipe changeovers for different models and calibers
- Designing durable, quick-load fixtures for multi-part processing with minimal handling
Clemco delivered a high-throughput automated blast cabinet purpose-built for Cerakote prep, featuring:
- Robotic nozzle systems with multi-axis movement for complete and repeatable coverage of intricate firearm surfaces
- An HMI-driven control system with pre-loaded recipes for various SKUs, minimizing manual input and maximizing efficiency
- A precision-tuned aluminum oxide blasting process, ensuring the ideal surface roughness for Cerakote bonding
- Advanced media recovery, air filtration, and dust collection, ensuring a clean work environment and consistent abrasive quality
- Seamless integration potential with automated part handling or downstream coating lines
The result was a production-ready, automation-enabled blast solution that delivered unmatched speed, accuracy, and surface prep quality—directly contributing to improved Cerakote performance, reduced rework, and significant gains in throughput and labor efficiency.

Cerakote Preparation

Glass Bead Barrel
Blasting

A major firearms manufacturer required a semi-automated blasting solution to finish gun barrels using glass bead media. The objective was to achieve a uniform satin finish that enhances aesthetics, improves corrosion resistance, and meets strict surface quality standards before assembly. The system needed to support high production volumes, reduce operator fatigue, and maintain consistent finish quality—all while being simple to operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Clemco worked directly with the manufacturer’s production team to design a lean, user-friendly system that integrated automation where it added the most value—while preserving simplicity and operator control. The design approach included:
- Studying barrel geometry and surface requirements to determine ideal glass bead size, blast pressure, and nozzle path
- Developing a programmable blast cycle with minimal operator setup time
- Incorporating adjustable barrel fixturing to accommodate various calibers and lengths
- Prioritizing ergonomics and cycle speed, ensuring easy loading/unloading with repeatable orientation
- Designing a streamlined control interface with minimal training required
Clemco delivered a semi-automated blast cabinet optimized for firearm barrel processing, featuring:
- A rotating fixture system to ensure even surface coverage along the full length of each barrel
- Pre-set, push-button cycle control for glass bead blasting with adjustable dwell and pressure
- Manual assist with guided automation, allowing operators to load barrels and initiate cycles with minimal input
- An enclosed cabinet with media reclaim and dust collection systems to ensure consistent blast quality and cleanliness
- A simplistic, durable control interface designed for quick training and high operator uptime
The result was a high-efficiency blasting station that delivered consistent surface finishes, reduced operator strain, and improved production throughput—while maintaining the reliability and craftsmanship expected in firearm manufacturing.