scope:

The many proprietary designations for aluminum finishes can confuse users specifying finishes. To remedy this, the Aluminum Association developed a designation system broad enough to cover all types of finishes currently used on aluminum products and meet future needs as new finishes are developed. These designations are simply a way to name a finish and do not constitute a performance specification. Care must be taken in using these designations as it is possible to create a designation for a finish that is inappropriate or cannot be produced.