Guide To Common Anodizing Specifications

The Aluminum Association Designation System divides finishes for aluminum anodizing into three major categories: Mechanical Finishes (M), Chemical Finishes (C), and Coatings (e.g. A).

The Coatings category includes anodic coatings (A). Various types of anodized finishes are designated by the letter “A” followed by a two-digit number that designates specific anodizing specifications for finishes. These may be used with other designations to specify a complete finishing system.

When designations for the anodic coating are used alone, the pretreatment is usually left up to the anodizer to determine best fit for the product and its end use.

CLEAR ANODIZING SPECIFICATIONS

SAF	Aluminum Association	Alcoa	Coating Thickness
SAF200	A21	200r1	0.00075″ – 0.0002″
SAF201	A21	201r1	0.0002″ – 0.0003″
SAF202	A21	202r1	0.0003″ – 0.0004″
SAF204	A31	204r1	0.0004″ – 0.0007″
SAF215	A41	215r1	> 0.0007″

INTEGRAL COLOR (DURANODIC) SPECIFICATIONS: BRONZES AND BLACK

Discontinued by SAF

SAF	Aluminum Association	Alcoa	Color (Bronze)	Coating Thickness (SAF)
SAF311	A42	311r1	Light
SAF312	A42	312r1	Medium
SAF313	A42	313r1	Dark	> 0.0007″
SAF314	A42	314r1	Statuary
SAF335	A42	335r1	Black

2-STEP ANODIZING SPECIFICATIONS

Developed as a cost effective alternative specification to Integral Color. Color is independent of coating thickness.

SAF	Aluminum Association	Class	Color	Coating Thickness
SAF342	A34	II	Light Bronze	0.0004″ – 0.0007″
SAF343	A34	II	Medium Bronze	0.0004″ – 0.0007″
SAF344	A34		Dark Bronze	0.0004″ – 0.0007″
SAF345	A34	II	Statuary Bronze	0.0004″ – 0.0007″
SAF346	A34	II	Black	0.0004″ – 0.0007″
SAF442	A44	I	Light Bronze	> 0.0007″
SAF443	A44	I	Medium Bronze	> 0.0007″
SAF444	A44	I	Dark Bronze	> 0.0007″
SAF445	A44	I	Statuary Bronze	> 0.0007″
SAF446	A44	I	Black	> 0.0007″