world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
-----
Obtaining a copy of the AMS 2488 standard
Q. Sir,
We intend to do alkaline anodising for Ti-6Al-4V component to get minimum 5 micron thickness for wear protection wherein we could get only 0.2 micron by normal sulfuric acid anodising process. AMS specification suggests to use solution of pH 12-13. Kindly provide International Specification for ALKALINE ANODISING OF TITANIUM AND ITS ALLOYS. Kindly provide process details to get minimum thickness of 5 microns.
Thanking you,
- Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2001
A. Hi, Sreenivasan. AMS specs are copyrighted, so you have to buy them, either direct from AMS or through specification clearinghouses. I think you're referring to AMS 2488
Unfortunately, just because there is an AMS spec for this doesn't necessarily mean that the process details are in the spec or in the public domain. I am under the impression that the alkaline anodizing process for titanium is held by most users including Tiodize as a trade secret. So, you can have someone who knows how to do it process the parts for you, or license the process, or retain a consultant who knows all of the little details
Sorry, but I don't think anyone is going to tell the world the full details of how to do what they earn their living doing :-)
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. Ted, you are correct this process is a trade secret. To my count there are only six companies nationwide who do this anodizing on medical components.
Jon Quirt- Fridley, Minnesota
Multiple threads were merged: please forgive repetition, chronology errors, or disrespect towards other postings [they weren't on the same page] :-)
Q. Hello,
I am looking at anodizing steel and I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find an actual copy of the AMS 2488 standard. Is there some site on the web where I can print it for free? Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Enz- Marquette, Michigan
2003
A. If you are interested in anodizing steel, save your money. AMS 2488 is a standard for anodizing titanium and is copyright-protected, so don't expect it for free.
AMS 2488 : Anodic Treatment - Titanium and Titanium Alloys Solution Ph 13 Or Higher 06-01-2000 Standard "This specification establishes the engineering requirements for producing an electrolytic conversion (anodic) coating on titanium and titanium alloys and the properties of the coating. These coatings have been used typically as a lubricating and anti-galling coating for elevated temperature forming, as an isolating film for increased resistance to galvanic corrosion, to provide improved wear resistance and as a pretreatment for the application of solid film lubricants, but usage is not limited." © 2003 SAE International $59.00 (non-member) https://www.sae.org/servlets/productDetail?PROD_TYP=STD&PROD_CD=AMS2488D
Ken Vlach [deceased]- Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
A. Rebecca, the sale of AMS documents is one of the ways SAE supports itself. You can get the specification at SAE.org, for $59 ($47.20 for members). Seems like a lot for an 8 page document, but they are copyrighted: so you shouldn't be able to find it for free on the web.
Steel isn't anodized commercially- at least not intentionally.
Good luck!
Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York
A. It has been pointed out to me that the spec carries a copyright, so I will not be able to provide it to you.
Sorry.
Jon Quirt- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ed. note: Rebecca probably suffered a typo or mind blip with the reference to steel; anodizing is not a process frequently associated with steel. But for a robust debate on whether iron & steel can in fact be anodized, please see:
Topic 37471, "Can steel be anodized? If so, how?" and
Topic 13970, "Anodizing of iron and steel"
Multiple threads were merged: please forgive repetition, chronology errors, or disrespect towards other postings [they weren't on the same page] :-)
Q. Does anyone know where I can purchase AMS 2488, the spec for titanium anodizing? I have searched the usual places and have struck out.
Thanks,
Chemist - Reno, Nevada, USA
2003
Ed. note: We hotlinked your reference to it, to an authorized clearinghouse which sells specs for the same price as the standards organizations but provides us a small commission to help keep this site on line.
A. SAE AMS 2488, revision D, can be purchased directly from the publisher, SAE, using the following link: Automotive module supplier - Michigan A. Glenn, that spec can be found at and bought from SAE's website. Just type "AMS2404" in the search box in the upper left, and you'll go right to the proper page. Lee Gearhart metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York |
A. If not from any of the commercial specification services, AMS (aerospace material specifications) can be purchased directly form the source, the Society of Automotive Engineers, from their website (www.sae.org)
Doug Hahnaerospace - Crestview, Florida
Ed. note 4/20/07: Whether purchased from AMS or from an authorized specification clearing house, we recommend the hard copy since pdfs are fouled with DRM technology these days.
Multiple threads were merged: please forgive repetition, chronology errors, or disrespect towards other postings [they weren't on the same page] :-)
Q. I'M LOOKING FOR INFO ON WHERE TO LOOK TO GET MORE INFO ON TITANIUM ANODIZING TO
AMS 2488
I ALREADY DO COMMERCIAL COLORS ON TITANIUM IN A TYPE 3 ANO BATH. WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO USE FOR THE HIGH PH BATH AND IN WHAT CONCENTRATION. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
THANKS,
Covina, California
2006
A. The best way to get the details on the process is to buy the specification that you mentioned. The cost of the publication is significantly less than the risk involved in relying on somebody else's word about something you are going to be (presumably) certifying to. I believe the website to purchase the spec is www.ams.com - I'm not completely certain though.
Good luck!
Compton, California, USA
A. The spec AMS 2488 requires alkaline solution with pH greater than 13. This does not tell you the best practice, chemicals, temperature, voltage, amps and time. There are companies and consultants who have experience & proprietary products for this process. They may also be of assistance in testing to meet the anti-galling requirements.
Good luck,
P.S. I'd like to find out if I can make a specific referral here.
Ed. note: Please don't, Kas. A banner ad at the top of this page lists our advertisers who offer that service and who make this page possible for Eric and all of us. The page couldn't exist for any of us without advertisers, and what advertiser would support a site that spent their money steering business to their competitors who choose not to advertise there. Thanks :-) |
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread
Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.
If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software
About/Contact - Privacy Policy - ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA - about "affil links"