ASTM B604-91(2003)e1

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 Appendix X2, Appendix X3, and Appendix X4 of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Feb-2003
• ICS: 25.220.40 - Metallic coatings
• Technical Committee: B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Drafting Committee: B08.05 - Decorative Coatings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B604-91(1997) - Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003
• Replaced By: ASTM B604-91(2008) - Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Referred By: ASTM B368-21 - Standard Test Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test)
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003
• Referred By: ASTM B456-17(2022) - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus<brk/> Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003
• Referred By: ASTM B380-97(2023) - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Testing of Decorative Electrodeposited Coatings by the Corrodkote Procedure
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003
• Referred By: ASTM B727-04(2020) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Plastics Materials for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

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
e1
Designation: B 604 – 91 (Reapproved 2003)
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.
e NOTE—Sections X4.2.2 and X4.3.3 were editorially updated in May 2003.
1. Scope nesses by the Magnetic Method: Electrodeposited Nickel
Coatings on Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Substrates
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for several
B 532 Specification forAppearance of Electroplated Plastic
grades and types of electrodeposited copper plus nickel plus
Surfaces
chromium coatings on plateable plastic substrates where ap-
B 533 Test Method for Peel Strength of Metal Electroplated
pearance, durability and resistance to thermal cycling are
Plastics
important to service performance. Five grades of coatings are
B 556 Guide for Measurement of Thin Chromium Coatings
provided to correlate with the service conditions under which
by the Spot Test
each is expected to provide satisfactory performance.
B 567 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
1.2 This specification covers the requirements for coatings
by the Beta Backscatter Method
applied subsequent to the application of metal film by auto-
B 568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
catalytic deposition or subsequent to the application of any
by X-Ray Spectrometry
strike coatings after autocatalytic deposition.
B 602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling 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 659 Guide for Measuring Thickness of Metallic and
X3, andAppendix X4 of this specification. This standard does
Inorganic Coatings
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
B 727 Practice for Preparation of Plastics Materials for
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
Electroplating
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
B 764 Test Method for Simultaneous Thickness and Elec-
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
trochemical Potential Determination of Individual Layers
to use.
in Multilayer Nickel Deposit (STEP Test)
2. Referenced Documents
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E 50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Precau-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tions for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related
B 368 Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt
Materials
Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test)
B 487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide
3. Terminology
Coating Thicknesses by Microscopical Examination of a
2 3.1 Definitions:
Cross Section
3.1.1 significant surfaces—those surfaces normally visible
B 489 Practice for Bend Test for Ductility of Electrodepos-
(directlyorbyreflection)thatareessentialtotheappearanceor
ited and Autocatalytically Deposited Metal Coatings on
serviceability of the article when assembled in normal position
Metals
or that can be the source of corrosion products that deface
B 504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Me-
visible surfaces on the assembled article.
tallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
B 530 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick-
4. Classification
4.1 Five grades of coatings designated by service condition
numbers and several types of coatings defined by classification
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
numbers are covered by this specification.
B08.08.03 on Decorative Coatings.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2003. Published May 2003. Originally
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as B 604 – 91 (1997). 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.
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B 604 – 91 (2003)
TABLE 1 Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium Coatings on
4.2 Service Condition Number:
A
Plastic
4.2.1 The service condition number indicates the severity of
Service
Equivalent Nickel Thickness
exposure for which the grade of coating is intended, in
Condition Classification Number
accordance with the following scale:
µm mils (approx.)
Number
SC5—extended very severe
SC 5 PL/Cu15a Ni30d Cr mc 30 1.2
SC4—very severe
PL/Cu15a Ni30d Cr mp 30 1.2
SC 4 PL/Cu15a Ni30d Cr r 30 1.2
SC3—severe
PL/Cu15a Ni25d Cr mc 25 1.0
SC2—moderate
PL/Cu15a Ni25d Cr mp 25 1.0
SC1—mild SC 3 PL/Cu15a Ni25d Cr r 25 1.0
PL/Cu15a Ni20d Cr mc 20 0.8
4.2.2 Service condition numbers are further defined in
PL/Cu15a Ni20d Cr mp 20 0.8
AppendixX1wheretheyarerelatedtotheseverityofexposure
SC 2 PL/Cu15a Ni15b Cr r 15 0.6
PL/Cu15a Ni10b Cr mc 10 0.4
encountered by electroplated articles.
PL/Cu15a Ni10b Cr mp 10 0.4
4.3 Coating Classification Number— The coating classifi-
SC 1 PL/Cu15a Ni7b Cr r 7 0.3
cation number is a means of specifying the types and thick-
A
The minimum copper thickness may be greater in some applications to meet
nesses of coatings appropriate for each grade and is comprised thermal cycling and other requirements.
of the following:
4.3.1 The symbol for the substrate (PL) indicating it is
number, as given in Table 1. On request, the manufacturer
plateable plastic, followed by a slash mark,
shall inform the purchaser of the classification number of the
4.3.2 The chemical symbol for copper (Cu), coating applied.
5.1.3 The appearance required, for example, bright, dull, or
4.3.3 Anumbergivingtheminimumthicknessofthecopper
satin. Alternatively, samples showing the required finish or
coating in micrometres,
range of finish shall be supplied or approved by the purchaser.
4.3.4 A lower-case letter designating the type of copper
5.1.4 The significant surfaces, to be indicated on drawings
electrodeposit (see 4.4 and 6.3.1),
of the parts, or by the provision of suitably marked specimens
4.3.5 The chemical symbol for nickel (Ni),
(see 3.1).
4.3.6 Anumber giving the minimum thickness of the nickel
5.1.5 The positions on significant surfaces for rack or
in micrometres,
contact marks, where such marks are unavoidable (see 6.1.1).
4.3.7 A lower-case letter designating the type of nickel
5.1.6 The extent to which defects shall be tolerated on
electrodeposit (see 4.4 and 6.3.2),
nonsignificant surfaces.
4.3.8 The chemical symbol for chromium (Cr), and
5.1.7 The ductility if other than the standard value (see 6.4).
4.3.9 A lower-case letter or letters designating the type of
5.1.8 The extent of tolerable surface deterioration after
chromium (see 4.4 and 6.3.3). corrosion testing (see 6.6.3).
5.1.9 Sampling methods and acceptance levels (See Section
4.4 Symbols for Expressing Classification—The following
7).
lower-case letters shall be used in coating classification num-
5.1.10 Whether thermal cycle and corrosion testing shall be
bers to describe the types of coatings:
conducted individually on separate specimens as described in
a — ductile copper deposited from acid-type baths
b — single-layer nickel deposited in the fully-bright condition
6.6 and 6.7, or sequentially using the same specimens as
d — double- or triple-layer nickel coatings
described in 6.8, and whether the specimens shall be un-
r — regular (that is, conventional) chromium
mounted or mounted in a manner simulating assembly when
mc — microcracked chromium
mp — microporous chromium
these tests are conducted.
5.2 The minimum values of the electrochemical potential
4.5 Example of Complete Classification Number—A coat-
differences between individual nickel layers as measured in
ing on plastic comprising 15 µm minimum ductile acid copper
accordance with Test Method B 764 within the limits given in
plus 15 µm minimum double-layer nickel plus 0.25 µm
6.10.
minimum microporous chromium has the classification num-
ber: PL/Cu15a Ni15d Cr mp.
6. Product Requirements
6.1 Visual Defects:
5. Ordering Information
6.1.1 The significant surfaces of the electroplated articles
5.1 When ordering articles to be electroplated in accordance
shall be free of visible defects, such as blisters, pits, roughness,
with this standard, the purchaser shall state the following:
cracks, and uncoated areas, and shall not be stained or
5.1.1 ASTM designation number. discolored. On articles where a visible contact mark is un-
avoidable, its position shall be specified by the purchaser. The
5.1.2 Either the classification number of the specific coat-
electroplated article shall be free of damage and clean.
ing required (see 4.3) or the substrate material and the service
condition number denoting the severity of the conditions it is
required to withstand (see 4.2). If the service condition number
“Performance of Decorative Electrodeposited Copper-Nickel-Chromium Coat-
is quoted and not the classification number, the manufacturer is
ings on Plastics” is a final report on programs conducted by ASTM and ASEP to
free to supply any of the types of coatings designated by the
evaluate the coating classification numbers. A copy of the report has been filed at
classification number corresponding to the service condition ASTM Headquarters as RR B-8-1003.
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B 604 – 91 (2003)
NOTE 2—The sulfur content is specified in order to indicate which type
6.1.2 Defects in the surface of the molded plastic, such as
ofnickelelectroplatingsolutionmustbeused.Althoughnosimplemethod
cold shots, ejection marks, flash, gate marks, parting lines,
is yet available for determining the sulfur content of a nickel deposit on a
splay and others, may adversely affect the appearance and
coated article, chemical determinations are possible using specially
performance of coatings applied thereto despite the observance
prepared test specimens. SeeAppendix X2 for the determination of sulfur
of the best electroplating practice.Accordingly, the electroplat-
in electrodeposited nickel.
er’s responsibility for defects in the coating resulting from the
NOTE 3—It will usually be possible to identify the type of nickel by
plastic-molding operation shall be waived (Note 1). microscopical examination of the polished and etched section of an article
prepared in accordance with Test Method B 487. The thickness of the
NOTE 1—To minimize problems of this type, the specifications cover-
individual nickel layers in double-layer and triple-layer coatings, as well
ing the items to be electroplated should contain appropriate limitations on
as the electrochemical relationships between the individual layers can be
the extent of surface defects. Practice B 532 distinguishes between defects
measured by the STEP test in accordance with Test Method B 764.
that arise primarily in molding and those that arise in electroplating
6.4 Ductility—The minimum value of the ductility shall be
operations.
8 % for copper and for nickel when tested by the method given
6.2 Pretreatments—Proper preparatory procedures are es-
in Appendix X3. Greater ductility may be requested but shall
sential for satisfactory performance of electrodeposited coat-
be subject to agreement between the purchaser and the manu-
ings on plastics. Procedures described in Practice B 727 may
facturer.
be followed. In the case of patented processes, the instructions
6.5 Coating Thickness:
provided by the suppliers of those processes shall be followed.
6.5.1 The minimum coating thickness shall be as designated
6.3 Process and Coating Requirements—Following prepa-
by the coating classification number.
ratory operations, plastic articles are placed in electroplating
6.5.2 Itisrecognizedthatrequirementsmayexistforthicker
solutions as required to produce the composite coating de-
coatings than are covered by this specification.
scribed by the specific coating classification number or by
6.5.3 The thickness of a coating and its various layers shall
coating one of the specified classification numbers listed in
be measured at points on the significant surfaces (see 4.2 and
Table 1 appropriate for the specified service condition number.
Note 4.)
6.3.1 Type of Copper—Ductile copper shall be deposited
from acid-type baths containing organic additives that promote NOTE 4—Whensignificantsurfacesareinvolvedonwhichthespecified
thickness of deposit cannot readily be controlled, such as threads, holes,
leveling by the copper deposit.
deep recesses, bases of angles, and similar areas, the purchaser and the
6.3.2 Type of Nickel—For double- or triple-layer nickel
manufacturer should recognize the necessity for either thicker deposits on
coatings, the bottom layer shall contain less than 0.005 mass %
the more accessible surfaces or for special racking. Special racks may
sulfur (Note 2). The top layer shall contain greater than 0.04
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
6.5.3.1 The coulometric method described in Test Method
thickness of the bottom layer shall be not less than 60 % of the
B 504 may be used to measure thickness of the chromium, the
total nickel thickness. In triple-layer coatings, the bottom layer
total thickness of the nickel, and the thickness of the copper.
shall be not less than 50 % nor more than 70 %. If there are
The STEP test, Test Method B 764, which is similar to the
three layers, the intermediate layer shall contain not less than
coulometric method, may be used to determine the thicknesses
0.15 mass % sulfur and shall not exceed 10 % of the total
of individual layers of nickel in a multilayer coating.
nickel thickness. These requirements for multilayer nickel
6.5.3.2 The microscopical method described inTest Method
coatings are summarized in Table 2.
B 487 may be used to measure the thickness of each nickel
6.3.3 Thickness of Chromium Deposit—The minimum per-
layer and of the copper layer.
missiblethicknessofthechromiumdepositshallbe0.25µmon
6.5.3.3 The beta backscatter method described in Test
significant surfaces. The thickness of chromium is designated
Method B 567 may be used when the total thickness of a
bythesamesymbolasthetypeinsteadofbynumeralsasinthe
copper/nickel/chromium composite coating is to be measured,
case of copper and nickel (see 4.4).
withoutanyindicationofthethicknessofeachindividuallayer.
6.5.3.4 Other methods may be used if it
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