Obtaining a copy of the AMS 2488 standard

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

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"

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Multiple threads were merged: please forgive repetition, chronology errors, or disrespect towards other postings [they weren't on the same page] :-)

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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,

Glenn Sklar
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.

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Multiple threads were merged: please forgive repetition, chronology errors, or disrespect towards other postings [they weren't on the same page] :-)

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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,

ERIC CREST
Covina, California
2006

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,

Kas Amadi


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 :-)