Specify

How To Specify

The Aluminum Association has developed a system of designation for finishes on aluminum to assure that your suppliers can identify and furnish the finish you specify. Specific finishes of the various types are designated by a letter followed by a two-digit numeral. Each designation may be combined into a single composite designation to identify a sequence of operations covering all the important steps leading toa final complex finish. Almost all finishes used on aluminum may be subdivided into three major categories: mechanical finishes, chemical finishes, and coatings.

Descriptions of the most comonly-utilized finishes are as follows:

- Mechanical [M] -

M10- Unspecified as fabricated

M22- Specular - buffed

M32 - Medium satin - directionally textured

- Chemical [C] -

C12- Inhibited chemical cleaned

C22- Medium matte etched

C31- Highly specular - brite dripped

C32- Diffuse brite dip

- Anodic Coatings [A] -

- Protective and Decorative [less than 0.4 mils thick] -

A21- Clear

A22- Integral color

A23- Impregnated color [absorbed dye]

- Architectural Class II [0.4-0.7 mils thick] -

A31- Clear

A32- Integral color

A33- Impregnated color

A34- Electrolytically deposited color [2 steps]

- Architectural Class I [0.7mil and thicker anodic coding] -

A41- Clear

A42- Integral color

A43- Impregnated color

A44- Electrolytically deposited color [2 step]

All designations are appropriate for non-architectural applications as well.

Composite designation examples:

All composite designations are preceded by the letters AA to identify them as Aluminum Association designation.

Example 1: Aluminum Association [plus] Mechanical Finish [plus] Chemical Cleaning [plus] Chemical Etching [plus] Anodic Coating translate to: an Architectural Class II clear matte anodized finish designated as: AA M10 C12 C22 A31.

Example 2: An Architectural Class I [textured medium bronze electrolytic deposition and overdye [3 step] would be designated as simply: AA M10 C12 C23 A44.

Example 3: An Architectural Class I diffused brite electrolytic deposition and overdye [3 step] would itself likewise be designated as such: AA M10 C12 C23 A44/43