BS EN 4473-2024 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 4473:2024 — Aerospace series. Aluminium pigmented organic coatings for fasteners. Technical specification. This adoption presents the CEN/Aerospace technical specification giving qualification and performance requirements for aluminium‑pigmented organic coatings applied to aerospace fasteners (titanium and titanium alloys, nickel or cobalt based alloys and corrosion‑resistant steels).

Abstract

This standard specifies the performance and qualification test conditions for aluminium‑pigmented organic coatings intended for use on aerospace fasteners. It defines material limitations, classification of coating types (I–IV), performance expectations for corrosion protection, friction/lubrication behaviour, and chemical resistance. The specification explicitly excludes electrical bonding and lightning‑strike applications and advises against use on non‑corrosion‑resistant steel fasteners; additional OEM tests may be agreed where required.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (national adoptions listed as in force).
• Publication date: 29 November 2024 (BS adoption date shown).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adoption of the CEN document (Comité Européen de Normalisation).
• ICS / categories: 49.040 — Coatings and related processes used in aerospace industry.
• Edition / version: 2024 (replaces BS EN 4473:2010).
• Number of pages: 22 (typical BS edition page count).

Scope

EN 4473:2024 covers qualification test conditions and performance requirements for aluminium‑pigmented organic coatings applied to fasteners manufactured from titanium and titanium alloys, nickel or cobalt based alloys, and corrosion‑resistant steels. It sets out coating classification, environmental and mechanical test regimes, and acceptance criteria. The document does not cover applications where electrical bonding or lightning‑strike protection is required and states these coatings are not recommended for non‑corrosion‑resistant steels; any additional qualification testing for special applications is to be agreed with the OEM. Temperature class is cited up to 315 °C for the coating system.

Key topics and requirements

• Qualification and performance test conditions for aluminium‑pigmented organic coatings (corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, adhesion and durability).
• Coating classification into Types I–IV (combinations of chromate presence/absence and lubricant presence/absence) and their intended properties.
• Maximum operating/qualification temperature class (listed at 315 °C) and related thermal performance checks.
• Exclusion of electrical bonding/lightning‑strike applications and recommendation against use on non‑corrosion‑resistant steels; OEM‑specific additional tests where needed.
• Defined test sequences and acceptance criteria to support supplier qualification, procurement and quality assurance by aerospace OEMs and regulators.

Typical use and users

Primary users are aerospace OEMs, fastener manufacturers and suppliers, coating applicators and process qualification laboratories. The standard is used by procurement and quality/inspection teams to qualify coating systems for fasteners, by design engineers when specifying surface finishes for fastened joints, and by testing bodies performing qualification and routine verification tests.

Related standards

Relevant related documents include the previous edition BS EN 4473:2010 (now superseded) and other aerospace coatings and surface‑treatment standards (for example EN/BS standards on passivation, decontamination and other coating specifications within the aerospace series such as EN 2516 and companion test methods). Users should consult their national adoption notices for the exact list of normative references.

Keywords

aluminium‑pigmented coating; organic coating; fasteners; aerospace; corrosion resistance; qualification testing; Type I‑IV coatings; chromate; lubricant; temperature class 315 °C; BSI; CEN; EN 4473:2024.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 4473:2024 (published as BS EN 4473:2024 in the UK) is a CEN aerospace technical specification that defines qualification and performance requirements for aluminium‑pigmented organic coatings applied to aerospace fasteners.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers coating types, required qualification tests (corrosion, adhesion, chemical resistance, temperature performance), acceptance criteria and limitations of use (not for electrical bonding/lightning‑strike applications; not recommended for non‑corrosion‑resistant steels).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Aerospace OEMs, fastener manufacturers and suppliers, coating applicators, QA/inspection teams and testing laboratories involved in qualifying or accepting coating systems for aerospace fasteners.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — EN 4473:2024 is the active edition published in 2024 and replaces the previous EN/BS EN 4473:2010 edition. Check national adoption notices for exact effective dates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the “Aerospace series” of EN standards covering coatings and related surface processes used in the aerospace industry. Related aerospace coating and surface‑treatment standards (passivation, decontamination and test methods) are referenced in the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: aluminium‑pigmented, organic coating, fasteners, aerospace, corrosion resistance, chromate, lubricant, qualification, EN 4473:2024, BSI, temperature class 315 °C.