Overview
EN ISO 2143:2017 outlines a standardized method for assessing the loss of absorptive power in anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and aluminium alloys after sealing. This standard, developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with ISO, specifies the dye-spot test with prior acid treatment as the primary evaluation method. The test is important for determining the quality and durability of sealing treatments applied to anodized aluminium surfaces, particularly where weathering resistance and stain protection are significant.
Typical applications include quality control during manufacturing processes and performance assessment for products exposed to challenging environments. The standard provides a practical approach to verifying the effectiveness of sealing treatments, supporting consistent quality in the surface treatment industry.
Key Topics
- Purpose of the Test: The EN ISO 2143:2017 dye-spot test measures the loss of absorptive power by applying a dye after acid pretreatment, indicating the extent to which the anodic coating can resist staining and environmental exposure.
- Scope and Applicability: The method is suitable for:
- Routine production control of anodic coatings
- Anodized surfaces requiring weathering and stain resistance
- Surfaces not altered by supplementary processing (such as oiling or lacquering)
- Exclusions: The method does not apply to:
- Coatings on alloys with more than 2% copper or 4% silicon
- Dichromate-sealed coatings
- Coatings given additional treatments (oiling, waxing, lacquering)
- Deeply coloured coatings
- Coatings less than 3 μm in thickness
- Surfaces sealed with nickel or cobalt salts, or organic additives (method is less appropriate)
- Testing Procedure:
- A degreased test area is treated with acid and, subsequently, a dye solution.
- The intensity of staining is compared against standard references to estimate absorptive power loss.
- Both dropping and immersion methods are described to accommodate different specimen geometries.
Applications
The use of EN ISO 2143:2017 is critical for various industries and applications, including:
- Aluminium surface finishing plants for quality assurance of anodized products.
- Producers of architectural components to ensure surfaces withstand weathering and resist staining.
- Manufacturers of automotive parts with anodized finishes for enhanced performance and appearance.
- Aerospace and electronics sectors seeking reliable anodic coatings for protection and appearance.
- Third-party testing laboratories performing specification compliance audits for anodized aluminium coatings.
The test supports improved product performance, increased customer confidence, and long-term durability of anodized components.
Related Standards
For comprehensive quality control and assessment of anodized aluminium coatings, consider referencing these related standards:
- ISO 7583: Anodizing of aluminium and its alloys - Terms and definitions
- ISO 2931: Assessment of quality of sealed anodic oxidation coatings by measurement of admittance
- ISO 3210: Assessment of the quality of sealed anodic oxidation coatings by measurement of the loss of mass after immersion in acid
- ISO 7599: Anodizing of aluminium and its alloys - General specifications for anodic oxidation coatings
Staying compliant with EN ISO 2143:2017 and related standards ensures high-quality, durable, and stain-resistant anodic finishes for aluminium and its alloys, supporting optimal product performance in demanding environments.