The new ANSI/BHMA A156.18 2012 Edition, “Materials and Finishes,” has just been released by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and is available now from Document Center Inc. It is the first revision of the standard since 2006.
ANSI/BHMA A156.18-2012 contains a description of types of finishes on various base materials and divides them into categories. It does so by the use of a numbering code system which identifies these base material and finishes.
Only finishes produced by three or more manufacturers are listed and are numbered starting with 600. Numbers 001 through 599 are reserved for individual manufacturers to use, as they desire for their own unique finishes.
Performance test methods for finishes are also part of this standard. You’ll also find requirements and exemptions concerning appearance. It includes criteria for viewing comparative finishes to the BHMA match plates and establishes five categories of finishes.
The finish test methods, code numbers and finish descriptions contained in this standard are intended to apply to the builders hardware industry. However, the standard is suitable for use in other industries.
All BHMA Standards are available from Document Center Inc. in both pdf and paper format under license agreement. Order at our webstore, www.document-center.com. Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re here to assist you with all your standards requirements and questions.