BRITISH STANDARD BS EN
12206-1:2004
Paints and varnishes —
Coating of aluminium
and aluminium alloys
for architectural
purposes —
Part 1: Coatings prepared from coating
powder
The European Standard EN 12206-1:2004 has the status of a
British Standard
ICS 87.040
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BS EN 12206-1:2004
This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
16 July 2004
© BSI 16 July 2004
ISBN 0 580 44061 3
National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 12206-1:2004.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
STI/27, Paint systems for metallic substrates, to Subcommittee STI/27/1,
Organic coatings on aluminium and galvanized steel for architectural
purposes, which has the responsibility to:
A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
— aid enquirers to understand the text;
— present to the responsible international/European committee any
enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 25 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments
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EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 12206-1
July 2004
ICS 87.040
English version
Paints and varnishes - Coating of aluminium and aluminium
alloys for architectural purposes - Part 1: Coatings prepared
from coating powder
Peintures et vernis - Revêtements de l'aluminium et des
alliages d'aluminium pour applications architecturales -
Partie 1: Revêtements à partir de peintures en poudre
Beschichtungsstoffe - Beschichtungen auf Aluminium und
Aluminiumlegierungen für Bauzwecke - Teil 1:
Beschichtungen aus Beschichtungspulvern
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 December 2001.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
C O M I T É E U R O P É E N D E N O R M A LI S A T I O N
EUR OP ÄIS C HES KOM ITEE FÜR NOR M UNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Ref. No. EN 12206-1:2004: E
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
2
Contents
Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................5
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................................................6
4 Requirements .................................................................................................................................................6
5 Test methods................................................................................................................................................11
Annex A (normative) Methods for the determination of the mass per unit area of conversion layers and
for the identification of chromium, phosphorus and zinc.......................................................................15
Annex B (normative) Requirements for alternative pretreatment........................................................................18
Annex C (normative) Measurement of film thickness ...........................................................................................19
Annex D (normative) Falling weight test apparatus ..............................................................................................21
Annex E (informative) Sequence of pretreatment stages .....................................................................................22
Annex F (normative) Enhanced durability coating powders ................................................................................24
Bibliography ..............................................................................................................................................................25
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
3
Foreword
This document (EN 12206-1:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 139 “Paints and
varnishes”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by December 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by December 2004.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Annexes A, B, C, D and F are normative, annex E is for information only.
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
4
Introduction
This is the first Part of EN 12206. The present intention is to develop another Part dealing with the organic coating
of aluminium and aluminium alloy extrusions, sheet and preformed sections for architectural purposes, prepared
from liquid coating materials.
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
5
1 Scope
This Part of EN 12206 specifies requirements and the corresponding methods of test relating to the organic coating
of aluminium and aluminium alloy extrusions, sheet and preformed sections for architectural purposes, using
coating powders. It also describes:
a) the pretreatment of the substrate prior to the coating process;
b) the coating powder;
c) the coating process;
d) the final product.
Each item is dealt with separately in this Part of EN 12206 so that any interested party can ensure compliance
appropriate to its area of responsibility.
CAUTION — The procedures described in this standard are intended to be carried out by suitably trained
and/or supervised personnel. The substances and procedures used in this method may be injurious to
health if adequate precautions are not taken. Attention is drawn in the text to specific hazards. This
standard refers only to technical suitability and does not absolve the user from statutory obligations
relating to health and safety.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 573-3, Aluminium and aluminium alloys – Chemical composition and form of wrought products – Part 3:
Chemical composition.
EN ISO 1519, Paints and varnishes – Bend test (cylindrical mandrel) (ISO 1519:2002).
EN ISO 1520, Paints and varnishes – Cupping test (ISO 1520:1999).
EN ISO 2409, Paints and varnishes – Cross-cut test (ISO 2409:1992).
EN ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes – Determination of specular gloss of non-metallic paint films at 20°, 60° and
85° (ISO 2813:1994, including Technical Corrigendum 1:1997).
EN ISO 3231, Paints and varnishes – Determination of resistance to humid atmospheres containing sulfur dioxide
(ISO 3231:1993).
EN ISO 3668, Paints and varnishes – Visual comparison of the colour of paints (ISO 3668:1998).
EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use – Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987).
EN ISO 6270-1, Paints and varnishes – Determination of resistance to humidity – Part 1: Continuous condensation
(ISO 6270-1:1998).
EN ISO 8130-9, Coating powders – Part 9: Sampling (ISO 8130-9:1992).
EN ISO 8565, Metals and alloys – Atmospheric corrosion testing – General requirements for field tests
(ISO 8565:1992).
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
6
EN ISO 11341:1997, Paints and varnishes – Artificial weathering and exposure to artificial radiation – Exposure to
filtered xenon-arc radiation (ISO 11341:1994).
ISO 2810, Paints and varnishes – Notes for guidance on the conduct of natural weathering tests.
ISO 2859-1, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes – Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by acceptance
quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection.
ISO 2859-2, Sampling procedure for inspection by attributes – Part 2: Sampling plans indexed by limiting quality
(LQ) for isolated lot inspection.
ISO 7724-3, Paints and varnishes – Colorimetry – Part 3: Calculation of colour differences.
ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres – Salt spray tests.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
powder coating
a continuous layer of a coating powder which has been applied to the aluminium or aluminium alloy substrate and
which is protective or decorative, or both
3.2
conversion layer
a layer produced on an aluminium surface by chemical pretreatment with or without the use of an applied electric
current
3.3
finish
the surface of the coated article which determines its appearance
3.4
coating powder
a solvent-free coating material in powder form which, after fusing and possible curing, gives a continuous film
[EN 971-1:1996]
3.5
significant surface
that area of the article on which the coating is essential for serviceability and/or appearance
3.6
specifier
the person specifying the performance requirements for the coating and significant surfaces of the article
3.7
test specimen
a single sample of the final product to be used for testing
4 Requirements
4.1 Material (substrate)
Aluminium and aluminium alloys are classified in accordance with EN 573-3. Suitable materials are those listed as
series 1000, 3000, 5000 and 6000.
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
7
4.2 Pretreatment of the substrate
4.2.1 General
Before application of the coating powder, a pretreatment layer shall be applied. This pretreatment may be either
a) chemical treatment with aqueous solutions containing either chromate ions or chromate and phosphate ions,
without applying an electric current, or
b) an alternative pretreatment (for instance chromium-free systems, "no-rinse-dry-in-place pretreatment" or
electrolytic conversion, or other processes).
After the conversion process, the substrate is normally rinsed with deionized water, and dried.
4.2.2 Conventional pretreatment
4.2.2.1 General
The aluminium or aluminium alloy shall be free from corrosion prior to pretreatment.
Any item previously coated or anodized shall be stripped down to the aluminium substrate prior to the pretreatment.
The sequence of the pretreatment stages is shown in annex E.
The pretreatment stages shall take place one after the other with the minimum delay in between to ensure that the
surface to be pretreated does not become dry between succesive stages.
The pretreatment solutions shall be applied either:
a) by dipping in baths of sufficient size to allow efficient operation of the chemical process on all significant
surfaces ; or
b) by spraying, in tanks or cabinets made so that all significant surfaces are in contact with the spraying solution
for the specified period of time.
The solution used for the conversion process is normally used for aluminium and aluminium alloys only.
Pretreatment of other metals is not authorized unless removal of metallic-ion contamination is ensured.
4.2.2.2 Cleaning, pickling and rinsing
All surface contaminants such as oils, greases, lubricants and other residues shall be removed using alkaline or
acidic solutions and/or organic solvents in appropriate combinations. Before the conversion stage, the substrate
shall be thoroughly cleaned and/or pickled.
After cleaning and/or pickling, the substrate may be rinsed (see annex E).
NOTE It is advisable that the rinse water prior to the conversion stage should comply to the following requirements :
electrical conductivity : max. 1 000 µS/cm ;
chloride content : less than 100 mg/l ;
sulfate content : less than 50 mg/l ;
phosphate content : less than 5 mg/l (for chromate conversion only).
4.2.2.3 Conversion and drying of chromate and phosphochromate layers
A conversion layer is produced by application of the appropriate solution.
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
8
Chromate conversion layers vary in colour from an iridescent yellow to a golden tan. The layers are characterized
by the presence of chromium and the absence of phosphate (see annex A).
The mass per unit surface area of the conversion layer, often referred to as "conversion coating weight", as
measured in accordance with the method described in annex A, shall be between 0,4 g/m2 and 1 g/m2.
Phosphochromate conversion layers vary in colour from iridescent to various shades of green. The layers are
characterized by the presence of both chromate and phosphate (see annex A).
The mass per unit surface area of the conversion layer, as measured in accordance with the method described in
annex A, shall be between 0,4 g/m2 and 1,2 g/m2.
NOTE The colours given above are only indicative. They depend on alloys used and pretreatment and do not characterize
the quality of the conversion layer.
The conversion layer can be rinsed with water and shall finally be rinsed with deionized water. The electrical
conductivity of the water draining off from significant surfaces at the final rinse shall be below 30 µS/cm at 20 °C.
If the final rinse is carried out with hot water, the temperature shall not exceed 60 °C and the rinsing time shall be
as short as possible in order to avoid dissolving of hexavalent chromium from the conversion layer.
The layer shall be as uniform as possible, adhering to the substrate and free from any powdering.
The drying temperature after pretreatment, as measured on the metal surface, shall not exceed 100 °C if the
coating powder is applied without delay or interruption after pretreatment. If it is applied with delay or interruption
after pretreatment (less than 16 h but not more), the maximum temperature on the metal surface shall be as
follows:
65 °C for chromate layers;
85 °C for phosphochromate layers.
The coating powder shall not be applied more than 16 h after pretreatment.
4.2.3 Alternative pretreatments
Alternative pretreatments, e.g. chromium-free systems, "no-rinse-dry-in-place pretreatment" or electrolytic
conversion or other processes may be specified but shall comply with the requirements of annex B.
4.3 Coating powder
4.3.1 General
The tests shall be carried out in accordance with clause 5. The panels shall be prepared in accordance with 5.1.
NOTE A coating powder that has been found to be of suitable quality to pass the requirements of this Part of EN 12206
may then be used to confirm the suitability of other pretreatment processes.
4.3.1.1 Coating powders based on convential technology
Coating powders based on conventional technology shall meet all the criteria in 4.3. Products based on future
technology may exhibit different characteristics.
4.3.1.2 Enhanced durability coating powders
Enhanced durability coating powders can be specified. See annex G.
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EN 12206-1:2004 (E)
9
4.3.2 Colour
When tested in accordance with 5.3, the colour of the coating shall match the colour previously