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MP Eastern have a large library of obsolete/superseded, international and customer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

BS EN 2101:1991

BS EN 2284:1991

BS EN 2536:1995

BS 5599:1993(2002)

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

Aerospace series

Aerospace series

Aerospace series

Supersedes Def Stan 03-26

Defence standards for specifying anodising

Standard
Def Stan 03-24/5
Def Stan 03-25/5

Def Stan 03-26/2

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

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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