, which are authorized third-party distributors of technical standards. The exact thickness requirements for a specific Type (A-G). The testing methods used to verify the coating quality.
A thin coating suited for mild commercial use or as a base layer for subsequent organic coatings (like paint or powder coat).
The thinnest category defined by the standard, used primarily for bright decorative finishes or interior parts experiencing no wear.
If you're interested in learning more about ASTM B580-79, you can download the PDF version of the standard from the ASTM website or other authorized sources. astm b580-79 pdf
Consumer electronics, appliances, and interior decorative items. Type F (Interior / Light Wear) Minimum Thickness: 3 micrometers (0.12 mils)
Legitimate copies of the ASTM B580 PDF can be obtained from ASTM International, ANSI, Normadoc, Accuris, and other authorized resellers, with pricing typically ranging from USD 40 to €60 for a single‑user PDF. A legally viewable copy of the 1979 version is also available on the Internet Archive due to its incorporation by reference into federal law.
One of the most common points of confusion surrounding this standard relates to its title, "ASTM B580-79." The number "79" refers to the year the standard was originally adopted. Since then, the standard has been through several cycles of re-approval to keep it current. Key re-approval years include . Each re-approval (e.g., ASTM B580-79(2019)) confirms that the standard's technical content remains valid without major changes. , which are authorized third-party distributors of technical
Understanding ASTM B580-79: The Standard Specification for Anodic Oxide Coatings on Aluminum
The older versions of the standard are still available for purchase from various authorized distributors for historical reference and legacy projects:
The standard is essential for defining and Type of finishes. When reviewing the PDF, pay close attention to these sections: A thin coating suited for mild commercial use
The standard divides anodic coatings into seven distinct types based on their minimum thickness and intended application. When reviewing an ASTM B580-79 document, you will find the following breakdown: Type A (Engineering / Hard Coat) 50 micrometers (2.0 mils)
| | Modern Replacement(s) | Notes | |---|---|---| | ASTM B580-79 (Type I) | ASTM D3933 (for adhesive bonding prep) | For paint adhesion, surface preparation specs are more relevant. | | ASTM B580-79 (Type II Hard Coat) | MIL-A-8625 (Type III) or AMS 2469 | Military and aerospace standards have largely superseded ASTM B580. | | General Anodizing | ISO 7599 (for decorative) or ISO 10074 (for hard anodizing) | International standards are now more common in global supply chains. |
