Understanding ISO 12944

Unprotected steel will inevitably corrode over time when immersed in water or soil, or situated in a highly polluted atmosphere. Corrosion can result in significant repair costs, and impair the health and safety of both workers and the public.

It is essential for industry professionals to have accurate, up-to-date and technical information on hand to determine which paint system will prevent the corrosion of steel structures. The ISO 12944 standards are in place to support this goal.

What is ISO 12944?

ISO 12944 is an international standard that establishes a classification for corrosion protection of steel structures by paint and coating systems. The standard covers the different types of coatings and environments, surface preparation, the application of coatings, and the inspection and testing of coatings. It also provides guidance on the repair and maintenance of coated surfaces.

ISO 12944 applies to a wide range of industry professionals, including coating, components and paint manufacturers, architects, engineers, galvanisers and more. It also applies to contractors, planners and consultants. The standard was first published in 1998, and was last updated in 2018. The most recent update to ISO 12944 includes several notable changes and additions.

What changes have been made in the most recent update of ISO 12944?

The most recent changes to the ISO 12944 standard were implemented to test the effectiveness of protective coatings used in highly corrosive environments. These settings include offshore areas with high salinity and tropical areas subject to extreme humidity. The standard classifies environmental corrosivity into five categories, C1 to C5 (ranging from very low to very high). A new category, CX, has been added for environments that are extremely corrosive to unprotected steel.

A new durability classification, VH (very high), was also introduced in the most recent update of ISO 12944. This classification refers to coating systems that have an expected lifetime of 25+ years. There have also been changes to incorporate a broader range of test methods. Adherence to these tests is necessary in order to comply with the new corrosivity categories.

What are the test methods used in ISO 12944?

There are a number of test methods used within ISO 12944 to assess the performance of a protective paint or coating system. These include:

• Accelerated corrosion tests
• Salt spray tests
• Humidity tests
• Thermal shock tests

Each of these test methods has its own specific requirements and protocols that must be followed in order for the results to be valid. The most up-to-date version of ISO 12944 recommends a 7-day test cycle for paint systems used in CX (extremely corrosive) environments. The method consists of 72 hours of accelerated UV weathering, 72 hours of salt spray testing, and 24 hours of low-temperature exposure. This cycle can be repeated up to 25 times.

How can we achieve the ISO 12944 certification?

To achieve ISO 12944 certification, your company must undergo an audit by an accredited certification body to ensure that it meets all the requirements of the standard. Once you have achieved certification, you will be able to display the ISO 12944 logo on your products and marketing materials, letting customers know that your products meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

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