Qualification and approval of cutting fluids according to the AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000 standard
In precision aerospace machining, cutting fluid is a critical manufacturing parameter. The AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000 specification defines all safety, material compatibility, and physicochemical performance requirements applicable to machining fluids (soluble oils and straight oils) used on Airbus structural and wing components.
Our laboratory performs the full battery of standardized tests required to list your fluids on the AQPL (Airbus Qualified Products List) and supply the Airbus subcontracting chain.
Requirements of the AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000 specification
A cutting fluid used in the aerospace sector comes into direct contact with high-value alloys. If it is not rigorously qualified, it may damage surfaces, weaken metal structures, or interfere with subsequent bonding and painting operations.
Qualification according to the AIMS 12-10-000 standard validates the following fundamental criteria:
Safety with regard to metals: no corrosion (pitting, staining, cracking) on aerospace aluminum alloys (2000 and 7000 series), titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), and stainless/high-strength steels.
Rinsability: easy removal of the product during inter-operational stages without leaving corrosive residues or adhesion-inhibiting contaminants.
Safety with regard to non-metals: no degradation of seals, hoses, or machine-tool plastics.
Stability and health safety: emulsion stability in hard and soft water, REACH compliance (absence of prohibited biocides or additives).
Our AIMS 12-10-000 / AITM testing program
To ensure full compliance with Airbus specifications, we apply the official AITM (Airbus Test Methods) test methods associated with the AIMS 12-10-000 specification:
Corrosion and metal compatibility testing
Corrosion of aluminum alloys: full and partial immersion at controlled temperature to assess mass loss and surface appearance.
Corrosion of aluminum alloys: full and partial immersion at controlled temperature to assess mass loss and surface appearance.
Corrosion of titanium and steels: validation of the absence of attack or embrittlement.
Corrosion of titanium and steels: validation of the absence of attack or embrittlement.
Bimetallic testing: assessment of galvanic corrosion risks between dissimilar alloys.
Bimetallic testing: assessment of galvanic corrosion risks between dissimilar alloys.
Physicochemical control and in-service behavior
Oxidation and foaming stability: fluid behavior under high-pressure coolant delivery.
Oxidation and foaming stability: fluid behavior under high-pressure coolant delivery.
Lubricity measurement (Tribology): validation of anti-wear and extreme-pressure performance.
Lubricity measurement (Tribology): validation of anti-wear and extreme-pressure performance.
Analysis of residues after drying: verification that no sticky or non-rinsable deposits remain.
Analysis of residues after drying: verification that no sticky or non-rinsable deposits remain.
Why entrust AIMS 12-10-000 qualification to our laboratory?
| Advantage | Benefit for your business |
| ISO 17025 accreditation | Assurance that you will receive test reports recognized without reservation by Airbus and its subcontractors (Tier 1 / Tier 2). |
| Integrated AITM methods | Full mastery of test rigs and preparation protocols for standardized Airbus specimens. |
| Turnkey certification dossier | Delivery of the complete technical dossier, ready for submission to Airbus Materials Quality departments. |
| Multi-standard capability | Ability to combine your AIMS 12-10-000 tests with the Safran (PR 1500) and Dassault (DGQT 0.4.2.0065) standards on the same batch of samples. |
Our safety testing
Our FAQ
It primarily concerns formulators and distributors of chemical products seeking to qualify a cutting fluid, as well as aerospace machine shops and subcontractors that must validate the introduction of a new fluid into their machine fleet.
The standard covers all machining fluids: water-soluble fluids (emulsions, micro-emulsions, synthetic solutions), as well as neat machining, tapping, and drilling oils.
To receive a quote from the laboratory, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by telephone or by email.
Simply send us your requirements (material type, requested analysis, applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a customized technical and pricing proposal within 24–48 hours.
Analysis turnaround times at the FILAB laboratory vary depending on the type of analysis and the complexity of the expertise project.
FILAB is nevertheless committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent requirements.