Overview
EN ISO 2080:2022 (ISO 2080:2022) is a vocabulary standard published by CEN/ISO that defines terms used in metallic and other inorganic coatings and related surface‑finishing processes. The fourth edition (2022) updates and rationalizes earlier entries, introduces new terms and groups related processes for practical use in metal‑finishing technology. This standard is a terminology reference - it describes what terms mean rather than prescribing test methods or performance limits.
Key topics
- Scope and purpose
- Defines terms for general surface‑finishing processes used in metal finishing (electroplating and related techniques).
- Excludes specialized vocabularies for porcelain/vitreous enamel, thermally sprayed coatings and galvanising (these have separate glossaries).
- Process terms covered
- Chemical plating (including autocatalytic/ electroless terminology), contact plating, immersion coating
- Electroplating / electrodeposition
- Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and physical vapour deposition (PVD)
- Thermal spraying, metal spraying, metallizing
- Conversion coatings, anodizing (noted), sherardizing, diffusion treatments
- Mechanical plating, hot‑dip metal coating, galvanising (terminology guidance)
- Zinc flake coatings and top coats (including practical notes such as typical top‑coat thickness ~3–10 µm)
- Industry vocabulary
- Common operational and formulation terms (e.g., activation, acceleration, addition agents, adhesion)
- Grouping of related alternatives under leading terms for clarity
Practical applications
EN ISO 2080:2022 is a reference tool to ensure consistent terminology across documents, specifications and communication in:
- Plating and metal finishing shops (process documentation, work instructions)
- Coating specification writers, procurement and OEMs (clear requirements in purchase specifications)
- Quality assurance and inspection teams (consistent reporting)
- Standards developers, technical committees and educators (harmonized vocabulary)
- Laboratories and testing bodies (unambiguous test reporting and interpretation)
Using standardized terminology reduces ambiguity in contracts, technical drawings, training materials and regulatory documents, improving interoperability across suppliers and international projects.
Related standards and resources
- ISO 8044 - basic terms relating to corrosion (referenced; corrosion terms not duplicated in ISO 2080)
- Specialized glossaries exist for porcelain/vitreous enamel, thermally sprayed coatings and galvanising (consult the appropriate standards for those processes)
- ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia for up‑to‑date terminology databases and related entries
Keywords: ISO 2080:2022, EN ISO 2080:2022, metallic coatings vocabulary, surface treatment terminology, electroplating vocabulary, conversion coating, PVD, CVD, zinc flake coating.
