ASTM B604-91(1997)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for several grades and types of electrodeposited copper plus nickel plus chromium coatings on plateable plastic substrates where appearance, durability and resistance to thermal cycling are important to service performance. Five grades of coatings are provided to correlate with the service conditions under which each is expected to provide satisfactory performance.
1.2 This specification covers the requirements for coatings applied subsequent to the application of metal film by autocatalytic deposition or subsequent to the application of any strike coatings after autocatalytic deposition.
1.3 The following caveat pertains only to the test method portions of Section 6, Annex A1, and Appendixes X2, X3, and X4 of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: B 604 – 91 (Reapproved 1997)
Standard Specification for
Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel
Plus Chromium on Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 604; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope B 532 Specification forAppearance of Electroplated Plastic
Surfaces
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for several
B 533 TestMethodforPeelStrengthofMetal-Electroplated
grades and types of electrodeposited copper plus nickel plus
Plastics
chromium coatings on plateable plastic substrates where ap-
B 556 Guide for Measurement of Thin Chromium Coatings
pearance, durability and resistance to thermal cycling are
by the Spot Test
important to service performance. Five grades of coatings are
B 567 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
provided to correlate with the service conditions under which
by the Beta Backscatter Method
each is expected to provide satisfactory performance.
B 568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
1.2 This specification covers the requirements for coatings
by X-Ray Spectrometry
applied subsequent to the application of metal film by auto-
B 602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
catalytic deposition or subsequent to the application of any
Inorganic Coatings
strike coatings after autocatalytic deposition.
B 659 Guide for Measuring Thickness of Metallic and
1.3 The following caveat pertains only to the test method
Inorganic Coatings
portions of Section 6,AnnexA1, andAppendix X2,Appendix
B 727 Practice for Preparation of Plastics Materials for
X3, andAppendix X4 of this specification. This standard does
Electroplating
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
B 764 Test Method for Simultaneous Thickness and Elec-
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
trochemical Potential Determination of Individual Layers
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
in Multilayer Nickel Deposit (STEP Test)
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
to use.
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Precau-
2. Referenced Documents tions for Chemical Analysis of Metals
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3. Terminology
B 368 Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt
3.1 Definitions:
Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test)
3.1.1 significant surfaces—those surfaces normally visible
B 487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide
(directlyorbyreflection)thatareessentialtotheappearanceor
Coating Thicknesses by Microscopical Examination of a
2 serviceability of the article when assembled in normal position
Cross Section
or that can be the source of corrosion products that deface
B 489 Practice for Bend Test for Ductility of Electrodepos-
visible surfaces on the assembled article.
ited and Autocatalytically Deposited Metal Coatings on
Metals
4. Classification
B 504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Me-
2 4.1 Five grades of coatings designated by service condition
tallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
numbers and several types of coatings defined by classification
B 530 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick-
numbers are covered by this specification.
nesses by the Magnetic Method: Electrodeposited Nickel
4.2 Service Condition Number:
Coatings on Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Substrates
4.2.1 The service condition number indicates the severity of
exposure for which the grade of coating is intended, in
accordance with the following scale:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B-8 on
SC5—extended very severe
Metallic and Organic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B08.08.03 on Decorative Coatings.
Current edition approved May 15, 1991. Published October 1991. Originally
published as B 604 – 75. Last previous edition B 604 – 80. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.05. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
B 604 – 91 (1997)
TABLE 1 Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium Coatings on
SC4—very severe
A
Plastic
SC3—severe
Service
Equivalent Nickel Thickness
SC2—moderate
Condition Classification Number
SC1—mild
µm mils (approx.)
Number
4.2.2 Service condition numbers are further defined in
SC 5 PL/Cu15a Ni30d Cr mc 30 1.2
AppendixX1wheretheyarerelatedtotheseverityofexposure
PL/Cu15a Ni30d Cr mp 30 1.2
SC 4 PL/Cu15a Ni30d Cr r 30 1.2
encountered by electroplated articles.
PL/Cu15a Ni25d Cr mc 25 1.0
4.3 Coating Classification Number— The coating classifi-
PL/Cu15a Ni25d Cr mp 25 1.0
cation number is a means of specifying the types and thick-
SC 3 PL/Cu15a Ni25d Cr r 25 1.0
PL/Cu15a Ni20d Cr mc 20 0.8
nesses of coatings appropriate for each grade and is comprised
PL/Cu15a Ni20d Cr mp 20 0.8
of the following:
SC 2 PL/Cu15a Ni15b Cr r 15 0.6
4.3.1 The symbol for the substrate (PL) indicating it is
PL/Cu15a Ni10b Cr mc 10 0.4
PL/Cu15a Ni10b Cr mp 10 0.4
plateable plastic, followed by a slash mark,
SC 1 PL/Cu15a Ni7b Cr r 7 0.3
4.3.2 The chemical symbol for copper (Cu),
A
The minimum copper thickness may be greater in some applications to meet
4.3.3 Anumbergivingtheminimumthicknessofthecopper
thermal cycling and other requirements.
coating in micrometres,
4.3.4 A lower-case letter designating the type of copper
5.1.3 The appearance required, for example, bright, dull, or
electrodeposit (see 4.4 and 6.3.1),
satin. Alternatively, samples showing the required finish or
4.3.5 The chemical symbol for nickel (Ni),
range of finish shall be supplied or approved by the purchaser.
4.3.6 Anumber giving the minimum thickness of the nickel
5.1.4 The significant surfaces, to be indicated on drawings
in micrometres,
of the parts, or by the provision of suitably marked specimens
4.3.7 A lower-case letter designating the type of nickel
(see 3.1).
electrodeposit (see 4.4 and 6.3.2),
5.1.5 The positions on significant surfaces for rack or
4.3.8 The chemical symbol for chromium (Cr), and
contact marks, where such marks are unavoidable (see 6.1.1).
4.3.9 A lower-case letter or letters designating the type of
5.1.6 The extent to which defects shall be tolerated on
chromium (see 4.4 and 6.3.3).
nonsignificant surfaces.
4.4 Symbols for Expressing Classification—The following
5.1.7 The ductility if other than the standard value (see 6.4).
lower-case letters shall be used in coating classification num-
5.1.8 The extent of tolerable surface deterioration after
bers to describe the types of coatings:
corrosion testing (see 6.6.3).
a — ductile copper deposited from acid-type baths
5.1.9 Sampling methods and acceptance levels (See Section
b — single-layer nickel deposited in the fully-bright condition
d — double- or triple-layer nickel coatings 7).
r — regular (that is, conventional) chromium
5.1.10 Whether thermal cycle and corrosion testing shall be
mc — microcracked chromium
conducted individually on separate specimens as described in
mp — microporous chromium
6.6 and 6.7, or sequentially using the same specimens as
4.5 Example of Complete Classification Number—A coat-
described in 6.8, and whether the specimens shall be un-
ing on plastic comprising 15 µm minimum ductile acid copper
mounted or mounted in a manner simulating assembly when
plus 15 µm minimum double-layer nickel plus 0.25 µm
these tests are conducted.
minimum microporous chromium has the classification num-
5.2 The minimum values of the electrochemical potential
ber: PL/Cu15a Ni15d Cr mp.
differences between individual nickel layers as measured in
accordance with Method B 764 within the limits given in 6.10.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 When ordering articles to be electroplated in accordance
6. Product Requirements
with this standard, the purchaser shall state the following:
6.1 Visual Defects:
5.1.1 ASTM designation number.
6.1.1 The significant surfaces of the electroplated articles
5.1.2 Either the classification number of the specific coat-
shall be free of visible defects, such as blisters, pits, roughness,
ing required (see 4.3) or the substrate material and the service
cracks, and uncoated areas, and shall not be stained or
condition number denoting the severity of the conditions it is
discolored. On articles where a visible contact mark is un-
required to withstand (see 4.2). If the service condition number
avoidable, its position shall be specified by the purchaser. The
is quoted and not the classification number, the manufacturer is
electroplated article shall be free of damage and clean.
free to supply any of the types of coatings designated by the
6.1.2 Defects in the surface of the molded plastic, such as
classification number corresponding to the service condition
cold shots, ejection marks, flash, gate marks, parting lines,
number, as given in Table 1. On request, the manufacturer
splay and others, may adversely affect the appearance and
shall inform the purchaser of the classification number of the
performance of coatings applied thereto despite the observance
coating applied.
of the best electroplating practice.Accordingly, the electroplat-
er’s responsibility for defects in the coating resulting from the
“Performance of Decorative Electrodeposited Copper-Nickel-Chromium Coat-
plastic-molding operation shall be waived (Note 1).
ings on Plastics” is a final report on programs conducted by ASTM and ASEP to
NOTE 1—To minimize problems of this type, the specifications cover-
evaluate the coating classification numbers. A copy of the report has been filed at
ASTM Headquarters as RR B-8-1003. ing the items to be electroplated should contain appropriate limitations on
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
B 604 – 91 (1997)
the extent of surface defects. Practice B 532 distinguishes between defects as the electrochemical relationships between the individual layers can be
that arise primarily in molding and those that arise in electroplating measured by the STEP test in accordance with Method B 764.
operations.
6.4 Ductility—The minimum value of the ductility shall be
6.2 Pretreatments—Proper preparatory procedures are es-
8 % for copper and for nickel when tested by the method given
sential for satisfactory performance of electrodeposited coat-
in Appendix X3. Greater ductility may be requested but shall
ings on plastics. Procedures described in Practice B 727 may
be subject to agreement between the purchaser and the manu-
be followed. In the case of patented processes, the instructions
facturer.
provided by the suppliers of those processes shall be followed.
6.5 Coating Thickness:
6.3 Process and Coating Requirements— Following prepa-
6.5.1 The minimum coating thickness shall be as designated
ratory operations, plastic articles are placed in electroplating
by the coating classification number.
solutions as required to produce the composite coating de-
6.5.2 Itisrecognizedthatrequirementsmayexistforthicker
scribed by the specific coating classification number or by
coatings than are covered by this specification.
coating one of the specified classification numbers listed in
6.5.3 The thickness of a coating and its various layers shall
Table 1 appropriate for the specified service condition number.
be measured at points on the significant surfaces (see 4.2 and
6.3.1 Type of Copper—Ductile copper shall be deposited
Note 4.)
from acid-type baths containing organic additives that promote
NOTE 4—Whensignificantsurfacesareinvolvedonwhichthespecified
leveling by the copper deposit.
thickness of deposit cannot readily be controlled, such as threads, holes,
6.3.2 Type of Nickel—For double- or triple-layer nickel
deep recesses, bases of angles, and similar areas, the purchaser and the
coatings, the bottom layer shall contain less than 0.005 mass %
manufacturer should recognize the necessity for either thicker deposits on
sulfur (Note 2). The top layer shall contain greater than 0.04 the more accessible surfaces or for special racking. Special racks may
involve the use of conforming, auxiliary, or bipolar electrodes, or
mass % sulfur (Note 3), and its thickness shall be not less than
nonconducting shields.
10 % of the total nickel thickness. In double-layer coatings, the
thickness of the bottom layer shall be not less than 60 % of the
6.5.3.1 The coulometric method described in Test Method
total nickel thickness. In triple-layer coatings, the bottom layer
B 504 may be used to measure thickness of the chromium, the
shall be not less than 50 % nor more than 70 %. If there are
total thickness of the nickel, and the thickness of the copper.
three layers, the intermediate layer shall contain not less than
The STEP test, Method B 764, which is similar to the coulo-
0.15 mass % sulfur and shall not exceed 10 % of the total
metric method, may be used to determine the thicknesses of
nickel thickness. These requirements for multilayer nickel
individual layers of nickel in a multilayer coating.
coatings are summarized in Table 2.
6.5.3.2 The microscopical method described in Method
6.3.3 Thickness of Chromium Deposit— The minimum
B 487 may be used to measure the thickness of each nickel
permissible thickness of the chromium deposit shall be 0.25
layer and of the copper layer.
µm on significant surfaces. The thickness of chromium is
6.5.3.3 The beta backscatter method described in Method
designated by the same symbol as the type instead of by
B 567 may be used when the total thickness of a copper/nickel/
numerals as in the case of copper and nickel (see 4.4).
chromium composite coating is to be measured, without any
indication of the thickness of each individual layer.
NOTE 2—The sulfur content is specified in order to indicate which type
6.5.3.4 Other methods may be used if it can be demon-
ofnickelelectroplatingsolutionmustbeused.Althoughnosimplemethod
strated that the uncertainty of the measurement is less than
is yet available for determining the sulfur content of a nickel deposit on a
coated article, chemical determinations are possible using specially 10 %, or less than that of any applicable method mentioned in
prepared test specimens. SeeAppendix X2 for the
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