ISO 20523-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 20523:2017 — Carbon based films — Classification and designations. This International Standard specifies classification, short names and designations for carbon-based films (including amorphous carbon / diamond‑like carbon (DLC) and CVD diamond films) deposited by physical vapour deposition (PVD) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) where carbon is the predominant constituent.

Abstract

ISO 20523:2017 defines a system of classification and standardized designations (short names) for carbon‑based thin films produced on an industrial scale. It covers films in which carbon is the predominant constituent and that are deposited by PVD or CVD processes, including amorphous carbon (DLC) and CVD diamond, and explains the scope and limits of applicability (for example, it excludes carbon materials such as fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene).

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed as current following review).
• Publication date: 2017 (published/issued 2017; edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 25.220.99 (Other treatments and coatings).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 — 2017.
• Number of pages: 10.

Scope

The standard applies to carbon‑based films in which carbon is the predominant constituent and that are deposited by PVD or CVD techniques. It addresses classification, names and short designations for industrially produced carbon films (including a‑C, a‑C:H, a‑C:Me and CVD diamond), clarifies that the document refers to the film material itself (not necessarily the full multi‑layer coating system), treats non‑gradient layers as the normative reference for definitions, and explicitly excludes classes of carbon materials such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and graphene.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized classification categories for carbon‑based films (amorphous carbon, diamond‑like carbon, CVD diamond, polymer‑like films, graphite‑like films).
• Prescribed short names and designations to be used in specifications, purchase orders and technical documentation.
• Clarification of applicability: films where carbon is the predominant constituent and deposited by PVD or CVD; industrial‑scale production.
• Definitions relating to non‑gradient vs gradient layers and treatment of additional elements (e.g., hydrogen, metal carbides) where carbon remains predominant.
• Explicit exclusions (e.g., fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene) and limits of coverage.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and suppliers of carbon‑based coatings, surface‑engineering and thin‑film laboratories, materials scientists, procurement and specification engineers in tooling, automotive, aerospace, medical device and precision engineering industries, and standards/quality managers use ISO 20523:2017 to ensure clear, consistent designation and communication about carbon film types in specifications, test reports and product data sheets.

Related standards

ISO 20523:2017 is developed under ISO/TC 107 (Metallic and other inorganic coatings) and sits alongside other ISO standards covering surface treatments, coating terminology and test methods for thin films; users commonly refer to it together with domain‑specific characterization and testing standards for coatings and PVD/CVD processes.

Keywords

carbon based films; diamond‑like carbon (DLC); CVD diamond; PVD; CVD; classification; designations; a‑C; a‑C:H; a‑C:Me; coatings; thin films; gradient layers.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20523:2017 is an International Standard that specifies classification, short names and designations for carbon‑based films used in industry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers films where carbon is the predominant constituent deposited by PVD or CVD (including amorphous carbon/DLC and CVD diamond), sets out naming conventions and clarifies exclusions and definitions relating to layer composition and gradient layers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coating manufacturers, materials/ surface engineers, test laboratories, procurement/specification teams and standards bodies who need consistent designations and classifications for carbon‑based films.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 20523:2017 is the first edition (2017) and was reviewed and confirmed as current during ISO’s review cycle (confirmation recorded in 2022), so this edition remains current.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone International Standard produced under ISO/TC 107 and is related by subject matter to other ISO documents on surface treatments, coatings and thin‑film testing rather than being a numbered multi‑part series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Carbon based films, DLC, CVD diamond, PVD, classification, designations, a‑C, a‑C:H, coatings.