Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 2848:1997 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for anodized aluminium for architectural purposes - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for anodic coatings on aluminium and its alloys used for architectural purposes. It defines coating grades based on thickness, sets criteria for sealing quality, and outlines testing procedures to ensure long-term durability against weathering.
Lays down requirements for anodized aluminium and its alloys specifically for architectural applications.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always define acceptable color variation limits using physical limit samples before mass production, as batch-to-batch variation in color anodizing is common.
! Ensure the correct specification of coating thickness grade (e.g., AC 25 for coastal areas) to avoid premature fading, staining, or pitting corrosion.
! Sealing quality must be strictly verified; poorly sealed pores are a primary cause of rapid finish degradation and surface blooming.
ISO 7599:2018International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
HighCurrent
Anodizing of aluminium and its alloys — General specifications for anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium
General specification for anodizing, with classes that directly apply to architectural use.
AAMA 611-20American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), USA
HighCurrent
Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum
Directly equivalent scope, focused specifically on anodized aluminum for architectural applications.
BS 3987:1991British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for anodic oxide coatings on wrought aluminium for external architectural applications
Historically, this was the direct UK equivalent, focused exclusively on external architectural use.
JIS H 8601:2019Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), Japan
MediumCurrent
Anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and aluminium alloys
A broader standard for anodizing, but includes classes and tests relevant to architectural use.
Key Differences
≠IS 2848 specifies coating thickness in grades like AC 15, AC 20, AC 25 (microns), whereas AAMA 611 uses Class I (≥18 µm) and Class II (≥10 µm), a simpler classification for architectural work.
≠For sealing quality, IS 2848 specifies a maximum mass loss of 30 mg/dm² in the acid dissolution test. AAMA 611 is significantly stricter, requiring a maximum mass loss of only 6.12 mg/dm² (3.95 mg/in²).
≠For colored coatings, IS 2848 specifies light fastness using the older Blue Wool Scale (Grade 7 min). Modern standards like AAMA 611 use quantitative color change measurement (ΔE ≤ 5.0) after accelerated weathering or outdoor exposure.
≠IS 2848 does not specify a mandatory minimum value for abrasion resistance, leaving it to be agreed upon. AAMA 611 has a mandatory requirement based on a falling sand abrasion test (ASTM D968).
Key Similarities
≈All standards (IS 2848, ISO 7599, AAMA 611) share the primary goal of defining quality and performance requirements for anodic coatings on aluminum used in architecture.
≈Coating thickness is used as a primary criterion for performance and application environment across all standards, with thicker coatings specified for more severe, external conditions.
≈All standards emphasize the critical importance of sealing quality for corrosion resistance and durability, mandating specific tests like the acid dissolution or impedance/admittance tests.
≈The standards are structured as specification documents that reference other specific, separate standards for detailed test methodologies (e.g., for measuring thickness, corrosion, or sealing quality).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Average Thickness (External)
15 µm (Grade AC 15) or 25 µm (Grade AC 25)
≥ 18 µm (Class I)
AAMA 611-20
Sealing Quality (Acid Dissolution Mass Loss)
≤ 30 mg/dm²
≤ 6.12 mg/dm² (3.95 mg/in²)
AAMA 611-20
Sealing Quality (Acid Dissolution Mass Loss)
≤ 30 mg/dm²
≤ 30 mg/dm² (for thickness ≥ 10 µm)
ISO 7599:2018
Light Fastness (Color)
≥ Grade 7 (Blue Wool Scale)
Color change (ΔE*) ≤ 5.0 after weathering
AAMA 611-20
Corrosion Resistance (CASS Test for AC 25)
No pitting after 96 hours
Test is optional; duration and criteria to be agreed upon by parties
ISO 7599:2018
Spot Test (for unsealed coatings)
Minimum 3 minutes before stain appears
Not specified; sealing is mandatory for final architectural product
AAMA 611-20
Coating Thickness Measurement
Eddy current method (IS 6012)
Eddy current method (ASTM B244)
AAMA 611-20
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Grade AC 10 minimum average thickness10 microns (interior use)
Grade AC 15 minimum average thickness15 microns (normal exterior use)
Grade AC 20 minimum average thickness20 microns (aggressive exterior use)
Grade AC 25 minimum average thickness25 microns (marine/severe industrial use)