INFORMATION SHEET Anodising The electrolytic oxidation of aluminium is known as anodising, by electrolysing suitably prepared aluminium in an acid solution

(typically sulphuric or chromic acid), the surface layer of the aluminium can be converted to a coating with protective, decorative or functional properties. The coating formed is analogous to a honeycomb and will accept dyes of different colours, anodised aluminium is generally sealed after processing, this sealing seals the porous structure of the aluminium oxide and improves corrosion resistance, sealing can be carried out in a variety of different solutions, including hot water, low temperature nickel sealing and sealing with dichromate solution. The substrate composition and condition (alloy type, grade temper etc), have a significant effect on the anodising characteristics of the components and the subsequent finish obtained, with different materials requiring different process conditions, consequently it not recommended to mix alloy types during the same process run, alloys must be strictly segregated and identified before processing. The alloy type also has a bearing on the post anodising appearance, with the final film colour dependent upon a number of interacting factors, including, alloy composition and form of supply i.e. cast or wrought , surface finish, pre treatment prior to anodising type of anodic film (sulphuric, hard or chromic) and anodic film thickness. When specifying anodising on drawings or orders it is recommended that wherever possible national, international or defence standards are used to provide the processing instructions to your supplier, typically the following information should also be provided; Specification reference Base material composition and condition Significant surfaces and areas where measurements of coating thickness are to be made. Any areas that must not be used as contact points for jigging/wiring Any special inspection requirements Any special packing requirements You can find more details with explanations why this information is important in the Information sheet: Order information.

Mp (Eastern) Limited Trinity Road Suffolk UK

This document is provided for information purposes only.

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INFORMATION SHEET Specifications The common UK standards used for specifying anodising are summarised in table form below for information purposes only. MP Eastern have a large library of obsolete/superseded, international and customer specifications, call us if you are having difficulty obtaining relevant information, we may be able to help. Call us on 01502 573047 or e mail sales@mpeastern.co.uk

British standards for specifying anodising

Standard BS EN 12373-1:2001 Notes Sulphuric anodising; Film thickness is specified by referring to a specific class; Class 5 Min av thk 5 m Class 10 Min av thk 10 m Class 15 Min av thk 15 m Class 20 Min av thk 20 m Class 25 Min av thk 25 m Surface preparation before anodising is designated by the symbols E0 to E8 Sealing either Hot water or nickel sealing as specified. Chromic acid anodising; Alloy category 1 Min film thickness 2.5 m Alloy category 2A Min film thickness 1.5 m Alloy category 2B Min film thickness 1.0 m Sealing; Type A = Unsealed, Type B = Hot water sealed, Category 2 alloys shall preferable be dichromate sealed Sulphuric acid anodising; Class A Unsealed anodising Class B Sealed anodising Thickness class 1 12 to 25 m Thickness class 2 6 to 12 m Sealing as specified; Dyed aluminium hot water seal, Undyed aluminium hot water seal or dichromate seal. Hard anodising; Category 1 alloys < 1 % Cu : 30 m to 120 m film thickness Category 2 alloys 1% to 5% Cu : 30 m to 60 m film thickness. Note: Restrict thickness on splines & threads to 25 m Sealing is specified either hot water or dichromate seal Hard anodising; Unless otherwise specified on the drawing or order thickness shall be 40 to 60 m, sealing shall be as specified. Comments Supersedes BS 1615

BS EN 2101:1991

Aerospace series

BS EN 2284:1991

Aerospace series

BS EN 2536:1995

Aerospace series

BS 5599:1993(2002)

Supersedes Def Stan 03-26

Defence standards for specifying anodising

Standard Def Stan 03-24/5 Def Stan 03-25/5 Notes Chromic acid anodising; Sulphuric acid anodising; Unless otherwise stated on drawing or order film thickness 8 to 13 m, items that are to be dyed black may have a coating thickness <= 25 m. Sealing, unless items are dyed black or are to retain their natural colour or are in contact with oxidants/propellants, items are to be dichromate sealed otherwise dyed black and items retaining their natural anodised colour shall be hot water sealed. Hard Anodising; See BS 5599 Comments Superseded Def 151 Type 2 Superseded Def 151 Type 1

Def Stan 03-26/2

Withdrawn & superseded by BS 5599

Please consult the latest issue of the appropriate specification for definitive information.

Mp (Eastern) Limited Trinity Road Suffolk UK

This document is provided for information purposes only.

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