Professional Documents
Culture Documents
British Standard Hardanodizing BS5599
British Standard Hardanodizing BS5599
British Standard Hardanodizing BS5599
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
Specification for
engineering purposes
Aluminium Federation
Aluminium Finishing Association
Aluminium Window Association
Association of Builders’ Hardware Manufacturers
British Lock Manufacturers’ Association
Licensed Copy: neil solly act ltd 07/08/2008 19:36
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
Introduction 1
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Information to be supplied by the purchaser 2
5 Appearance 2
6 Thickness 2
Licensed Copy: neil solly act ltd 07/08/2008 19:36
7 Surface density 2
8 Wear/abrasion resistance 2
9 Vickers microhardness 4
10 Corrosion resistance 4
Annex A (normative) Abrasion testing 5
Annex B (normative) Preparation of standard specimen for abrasion
wheel testing and abrasion jet testing 6
Annex C (normative) Taber abrasion test method 6
Annex D (informative) Sampling procedures 7
Annex E (normative) Breakdown voltage 7
Annex F (normative) Process qualification and approval 7
Annex G (informative) Packaging and delivery of anodized articles 7
Annex H (informative) Guidance on hard anodizing processes 8
Table 1 — Acceptance values for the abrasive wheel test 3
Table 2 — Acceptance values for the abrasive jet test 3
Table 3 — Acceptance values for the Taber abrasion resistance test 3
Table 4 — Minimum values for the Vickers microhardness test 4
Table A.1 — Comparison of nozzles used in abrasive jet testing 5
List of references 9
© BSI 03-2001 i
BS 5599:1993
Foreword
This revision of BS 5599 was prepared under the direction of the Surface
Treatments and Coatings Standards Policy Committee. It specifies requirements
for hard anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and its alloys for engineering
purposes. It supersedes BS 5599:1978, which is withdrawn.
This revision of BS 5599 differs from the previous edition in that it includes
information to be supplied by the purchaser, on the selection of aluminium or
aluminium alloy, on thickness of anodic oxidation coating, on special
characteristics required and on process qualification and approval.
This revision also includes informative annexes on sampling procedures,
packaging and delivery of anodized articles and on some processes used with hard
anodic oxidation coatings.
Licensed Copy: neil solly act ltd 07/08/2008 19:36
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 9 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Sidelining in this document indicates the most recent changes by amendment.
ii © BSI 03-2001
BS 5599:1993
Introduction
Hard anodizing is an electrolytic treatment which class 1 : all wrought alloys except those in
results in the formation of a hard, and usually thick, class 2
coating of alumina used primarily for engineering class 2a) : 2 000 series alloys
purposes. class 2b) : 5 000 series alloys containing 2 % or
Hard anodizing can be applied to cast or wrought more magnesium and 7 000 series
aluminium and aluminium alloys. Alloys containing alloys
greater than 5 % copper and/or 8 % silicon and die
casting alloys, however, require special anodizing class 3a) : casting alloys with less than 2 %
procedures. To obtain optimum microhardness, copper and/or 8 % silicon
wear resistance or low surface roughness class 3b) : other casting alloys
Licensed Copy: neil solly act ltd 07/08/2008 19:36
© BSI 03-2001 1
BS 5599:1993
standard and the following documented items shall dimension, shall be a lot acceptance test
be satisfied before a claim of compliance with the [see clause 4 f)].
standard can be made and verified:
7 Surface density
a) the number of this British Standard,
i.e. BS 5599; The surface density (coating mass per unit area),
when measured in accordance with BS 6161-1:1984,
b) the material designated (alloy and temper);
on unsealed anodic oxidation coatings with a normal
c) the extent of significant surface(s); thickness of 50 µm ± 5 µm, shall have the following
d) the range of thickness of the anodic oxidation minimum values:
coating required (see clause 6);
e) the preferred position and sizes of the contact class 1 : 1 100 mg/dm2
(jigging) marks (see clause 6);
class 2 : 950 mg/dm2
f) where relevant, final dimensional tolerances
(see clause 6); class 3a) : 950 mg/dm2
g) any special characteristics required such as NOTE If the coating thickness is not 50 µm then the surface
corrosion resistance (see clause 10), freedom from density should be corrected proportionately.
surface scratches (see clause 5) or lot hardness
requirements (see clause 9); 8 Wear/abrasion resistance
h) any requirements for measurement of 8.1 Abrasive wheel method
breakdown voltage (see annex E); When determined in accordance with A.2, using the
i) any requirements for process qualification and abrasive wheel test method conforming to
approval (see annex F). BS 6161-9:1987, the final value for loss in coating
thickness or loss in coating mass shall be that from
5 Appearance an average of at least three tests when using a load
The significant surface, as conforming to the of 19.6 N and silicon carbide paper of 240 mesh size.
purchaser’s requirement [see clause 4 c)], shall be The acceptance values shall be in accordance
completely anodized and the visual appearance with Table 1.
shall be substantially uniform. There shall be no
spalling, blistering nor powdery (burnt) areas.
Visual examination for flawed areas, including
surface scratches [see clause 4 g)], shall be a lot
acceptance test.
NOTE Crazing or microcracks are not normally a reason for
rejection.
6 Thickness
Thickness shall be measured on the significant
surfaces, but no measurement shall be made
within 5 mm of areas of contact (jigging) marks, as
conforming to the purchaser’s requirements
[see clause 4 e)], nor in the immediate
neighbourhood of a sharp edge.
2 © BSI 03-2001
BS 5599:1993
Table 1 — Acceptance values for the abrasive Table 2 — Acceptance values for the abrasive
wheel test jet test
Alloy Number of Relative mean specific Alloy Relative mean specific
double abrasion resistance abrasion resistance acceptance
strokes acceptance value value (comparative to standard
(comparative to specimen, see annex B)
standard specimen, %
see annex B)
% Class 1 7 80
Class 1 800 – 100 7 80 Class 2a) 7 30
Class 2a) 400 – 100 7 30 Class 2b) 7 55
Class 2b) 800 – 100 7 55 Class 3a) 7 55 ü or by agreement,
Licensed Copy: neil solly act ltd 07/08/2008 19:36
© BSI 03-2001 3
BS 5599:1993
4 © BSI 03-2001
BS 5599:1993
a) in accordance with A.2, using the abrasive A.3 Abrasive jet testing
wheel test method conforming to BS 6161-9:1987; The abrasive jet test method is particularly suitable
or for components of complex or asymmetrical shape.
b) when the abrasive wheel method is not The method described in BS 6161-10:1987 permits
appropriate (e.g. on some curved surfaces), in the use of two different nozzle assemblies to be used.
accordance with A.3, using the abrasive jet test The nozzle shown in Figure 2 in BS 6161-10:1987
method conforming to BS 6161-10:1987, which uses high air velocities and low air flow rates. This
method gives an average for whole coating results in very rapid abrasion and the time to
thickness; or penetrate the coating is normally measured.
c) in accordance with the Taber test The nozzle shown in Figure 3 in BS 6161-10:1987
(see annex C). uses low air velocities and high air flow rates. This
results in much longer test times
A.2 Abrasive wheel testing (approximately 10 times) and the weight of abrasive
Abrasion testing in accordance with BS 6161-9:1987 medium used to penetrate the coating is normally
has shown good correlation between hardness and measured.
surface density and it is therefore the preferred test Table A.1 shows requirements for both nozzle types.
method. The time between hard anodizing and abrasion
The time between hard anodizing and abrasion testing shall be at least 24 h. During this period the
testing shall be at least 24 h. During this period the test pieces shall be stored in the test environment.
test pieces shall be stored in the test environment. Table A.1 — Comparison of nozzles used in
The greater surface roughness of hard anodic abrasive jet testing
oxidation coatings can cause measurement Nozzle characteristic See Figure 2 of See Figure 3 of
difficulties, so the top 2 µm ± 2 µm of coating should BS 6161-10:1987 BS 6161-10:1987
be abraded to produce a more reproducible starting Air pressure (kPa) 15 15
point by a pretest abrasion of 100 double strokes.
Air flow rate (1/min) 15 ± 1 67 ± 2
Class 2a) alloys tend to be much less
abrasion-resistant than class 1 alloys so a lower Abrading medium
number of test double strokes is specified in order to mesh size (µm) 106 150
remove about 5 µm per 400 double strokes. Abrading medium
The increased abrasion resistance of hard anodic flow rate (g/min) 25 ± 1 25 ± 1
oxidation coatings requires the use of a higher
load (19.6 N) and coarser silicon carbide
paper (240 mesh size) than those specified.
© BSI 03-2001 5
BS 5599:1993
Al min. 99.5 %
in the form of two areas repeatedly criss-crossing
(m/m)
over an area of approximately 0.3 dm2. The abrasive
temper: H4 residue is continually sucked away.
nominal test specimen
C.2 Apparatus
size: 140 mm × 70 µm
thickness: at least 2 mm C.2.1 Taber abrader wear test apparatus
radius: at least 2 mm NOTE The test equipment requires test pieces
nominally 100 mm × 100 mm × 2 mm thick and is normally
The following processing conditions shall apply. only appropriate for test panels.
Pretreatment shall consist of degreasing only C.2.2 A pair of Taber CS 17 resilient calibrase
(light caustic etching, electropolishing or abrasive wheels
chemical polishing is permissible). C.2.3 100 µm (150 mesh) silicon carbide
For anodizing, the composition of the bath shall abrasive paper (S11)
be as follows: C.2.4 Desiccator
free sulfuric acid: 180 g/l ± 2 g/l C.2.5 Balance, with 0.1 mg precision.
aluminium: 1 g/l to 5 g/l
C.3 Preparation of the abrasive wheels
remainder: deionized water
Clean the abrasive wheels, for 50 cycles,
Conditions of anodizing shall be as follows: using 100 µm (150 mesh) silicon carbide paper,
temperature: 0 °C ± 0.5 °C after each 10 000 cycles.
current density: 3.5 A/dm2 ± Every 40 000 cycles, reface the abrasive wheels
using a diamond grinding tool. Care should be taken
0.35 A/dm2 to remove as little material as possible.
strong agitation: with compressed air The maximum duration for use of grinding wheels
is 1 year after delivery.
anodizing time: 40 min
anodic coating thickness: 50 µm ± 5 µm C.4 Preparation of the test pieces
The coating shall be unsealed and air dried. Allow at least 24 h to elapse between hard anodizing
and abrasion testing. During this period, store the
The standard specimen shall be anodized vertically test pieces in the test environment.
with the longer axis horizontal in the bath,
maintaining vigorous agitation over the anode C.5 Procedure
surface, and smooth direct current with not more
than 5 % ripple. Not more than 20 standard Carry out the following procedure.
specimens shall be anodized at one time, and the a) Place the test piece on the wheel stand which
volume of the electrolyte shall be not less than 10 l has been set to rotate at 60 r/min ± 2 r/min
per standard specimen. or 70 r/min ± 2 r/min.
NOTE 1 The standard specimens are most accurate and b) Set both CS 17 abrasive wheels (C.2.2) and
reproducible if anodized singly with careful control of all the load each of them with 1 kg of test piece.
conditions.
NOTE 2 Standard specimens at the present time have inherent c) Place the dust extractor nozzle within 0.8 mm
variations of ± 10 %. to 1.5 mm of the test piece.
d) Start the extractor.
6 © BSI 03-2001
BS 5599:1993
© BSI 03-2001 7
BS 5599:1993
Hard anodizing is an electrolytic process requiring and/or component. Good design avoids unnecessary
good electrical and mechanical contact. Areas of crevices and bind holes to minimize the risk of
contact (jig points) will remain free from the coating. trapped residual acid electrolyte.
Any non-aluminium parts will be attacked by the Hard anodic oxidation coatings vary in colour
process and should be masked along with any areas depending upon variables such as alloy, heat
required to be free from the coating. It is important treatment, anodizing conditions (e.g. current
that any such requirements are discussed with the density and temperature) and coating thickness.
processor to minimize risk and avoid damage to the While hard anodizing can be dyed, colours (other
work pieces. than black) tend to be modified by the natural colour
(silver to slate grey) of the coating.
The abrasion and wear resistance of hard anodic
oxidation coatings are not related to hardness of the
coating alone and can be markedly reduced by
post-anodizing processes such as sealing (for
corrosion resistance) or dyeing (for appearance).
Lapping or grinding can be used on coated items to
reach a precise dimension or to reduce surface
roughness. Coatings such as molybdenum disulfide
or PTFE can also be applied over hard anodic
oxidation coating to improve lubricity.
8 © BSI 03-2001
BS 5599:1993
Normative references
Informative references
BS 6000:1972, Guide to the use of BS 6001, sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes.
BS 6001, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes.
BS 6001-1:1991, Specification for sampling plans indexed by acceptable quality level (AQL) for lot-by-lot
inspection.
ISO 8251:1987, Anodized aluminium and aluminium alloys — Measurement of wear resistance and wear
index of anodic oxidation coatings with an abrasive wheel wear test apparatus.
© BSI 03-2001 9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI Ð British Standards Institution
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It
|
| presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level. It is
| incorporated by Royal Charter.
|
|
| Revisions
|
|
| British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards
|
| should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
|
|
| It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We
|
| would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this
| British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee responsible,
|
| the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel: 020 8996 9000.
|
Licensed Copy: neil solly act ltd 07/08/2008 19:36