ISO 7599
Anodizing of Aluminium and Its Alloys — Method for Specifying Decorative and Protective Anodic Oxidation Coatings on Aluminium
Defines how to specify decorative and protective anodic oxidation coatings on aluminum, including nominal thickness classes and appearance and performance requirements.
What ISO 7599 specifies
ISO 7599 provides a procurement framework for decorative and protective anodizing of aluminum. The familiar AA thickness classes designate minimum average coating thicknesses of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 µm, with corresponding controls on local thickness. The appropriate class depends on service environment, alloy, appearance, and durability. The order or drawing should also identify significant surfaces, pretreatment or appearance, color, sealing, dimensional tolerances, and required tests. Thickness class alone does not define color, gloss, texture, or corrosion performance. Engineering hard anodizing is outside the principal decorative and protective scope and is addressed by ISO 10074.
ISO 7599 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Thickness | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|---|
AA5 | Nominal 5 µm thickness class | ≥ 5 µm ≥ 0.2 mil | Average and local coating thickness |
AA10 | Nominal 10 µm thickness class | ≥ 10 µm ≥ 0.39 mil | Average and local coating thickness |
AA15 | Nominal 15 µm thickness class | ≥ 15 µm ≥ 0.59 mil | Average and local coating thickness |
AA20 | Nominal 20 µm thickness class | ≥ 20 µm ≥ 0.79 mil | Average and local coating thickness |
AA25 | Nominal 25 µm thickness class | ≥ 25 µm ≥ 0.98 mil | Average and local coating thickness |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Average coating thickness
- Local coating thickness
- Sealing quality
- Color and appearance
- Corrosion or abrasion performance when specified
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
ANODIZE PER ISO 7599, THICKNESS CLASS AA<5|10|15|20|25>, <COLOUR>, <SEAL>Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
Finishes specified to ISO 7599
ISO 7599 — frequently asked
What does ISO 7599 AA20 mean?
AA20 is the 20 µm nominal anodic coating thickness class. Color, pretreatment, sealing, and appearance still need separate specification.
Is ISO 7599 for hard anodizing?
It is primarily for decorative and protective anodizing. ISO 10074 addresses hard anodic oxidation coatings.
Does an AA class define corrosion resistance?
Not by itself. Thickness is important, but alloy, sealing, pretreatment, and exposure conditions also control performance.
ISO 7599 is copyrighted by International Organization for Standardization. This page explains the document so a drawing can be read; it does not reproduce the standard. Purchase the current edition from the publisher. Official source ↗