The Aluminum Anodizers Council has launched the AAC Anodizing Certification Program for facilities that perform aluminum anodizing.
“This program represents an important step forward for the anodizing industry,” said council president Jason Weber. “It provides anodizers with an independent way to demonstrate their capabilities while giving customers and specifiers greater confidence in the performance, consistency, and reliability of anodized aluminum finishes.”
The certification is available to qualifying anodizing facilities regardless of AAC membership.
AAC developed the program in collaboration with IAPMO, a global product certification agency for code and standards development, and Systems Certification Body (SCB), a system certification, compliance, and auditing services firm.
“As an anodizer, I understand the importance of being able to demonstrate quality and consistency to customers,” said Park Kersman, AAC chair and president of Lorin Industries. “This program gives our industry a common framework for doing that while providing customers and specifiers with additional confidence when choosing an anodizing partner.”
IAPMO worked with AAC to develop and publish IAPMO 428, which establishes performance requirements, test methods, and acceptance criteria. SCB worked with AAC to develop the audit and certification framework, and conducts the independent certification process.
Certification includes a facility audit, product testing and results verification, as well as compliance with data and recordkeeping requirements. Facilities that successfully meet the certification standards receive a certificate of compliance and are authorized to use the AAC Certification emblem.
The certification program intends to:
- Establish consistent benchmarks for anodized aluminum finishes.
- Ensure organizations meet and maintain quality and process consistency standards across the anodizing industry.
- Improve communication among anodizers, customers, and specifiers.
- Help customers of anodized products identify, trust, and rely on independently certified anodizing facilities.
- Provide recognition to anodizers that demonstrate conformity with established requirements.
The Aluminum Anodizers Council is an international trade association representing companies engaged in aluminum anodizing and supporting products and services.
