ASTM B456-95

Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for several types and grades of electrodeposited copper plus nickel plus chromium or nickel plus chromium coatings on steel, nickel plus chromium coatings on copper and copper alloys, and copper plus nickel plus chromium coatings on zinc alloys for applications where both appearance and protection of the basis metal against corrosion are important. Five grades of coatings are provided to correspond with the service conditions under which each is expected to provide satisfactory performance: namely, extended very severe, very severe, severe, moderate, and mild. Definitions and typical examples of these service conditions are provided in Appendix X1.  
1.2 The following hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portions, Appendixes X2, X3, and X4, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of 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.  Note 1-The ISO standards 1456 and 1457 are not requirements but can be referenced for additional information.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1994
• ICS: 25.220.40 - Metallic coatings
• Technical Committee: B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Drafting Committee: B08.05 - Decorative Coatings

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM B456-03 - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F1602-12(2023) - Standard Specification for Kettles, Steam-Jacketed, 20 to 200 gal (75.7 to 757 L), Floor or Wall Mounted, Direct Steam, Gas and Electric Heated
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B380-97(2023) - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Testing of Decorative Electrodeposited Coatings by the Corrodkote Procedure
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B252-92(2020) - Standard Guide for Preparation of Zinc Alloy Die Castings for Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B634-14a(2021) - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Rhodium for Engineering Use
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B687-99(2023) - Standard Specification for Brass, Copper, and Chromium-Plated Pipe Nipples
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B490-09(2021) - Standard Practice for Micrometer Bend Test for Ductility of Electrodeposits
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM F1603-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Kettles, Steam-Jacketed, 32 oz to 20 gal (1 to 75.7 L), Tilting, Table Mounted, Direct Steam, Gas and Electric Heated
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM E2112-23 - Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B368-21 - Standard Test Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Referred By: ASTM B764-04(2021) - Standard Test Method for Simultaneous Thickness and Electrode Potential Determination of Individual Layers in Multilayer Nickel Deposit (STEP Test)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: B 456 – 95
Standard Specification for
Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus
Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 456; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope B 253 Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Alloys for Elec-
troplating
1.1 This specification covers requirements for several types
B 254 Practice for Preparation of and Electroplating on
and grades of electrodeposited copper plus nickel plus chro-
Stainless Steel
mium or nickel plus chromium coatings on steel, nickel plus
B 281 Practice for Preparation of Copper and Copper Base
chromium coatings on copper and copper alloys, and copper
Alloys for Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
plus nickel plus chromium coatings on zinc alloys for appli-
B 287 Method of Acetic Acid-Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
cations where both appearance and protection of the basis
B 320 Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electro-
metal against corrosion are important. Five grades of coatings
plating
are provided to correspond with the service conditions under
B 368 Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt
which each is expected to provide satisfactory performance:
Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test)
namely, extended very severe, very severe, severe, moderate,
B 380 Method of Corrosion Testing of Decorative Elec-
and mild. Definitions and typical examples of these service
trodeposited Coatings by the Corrodkote Procedure
conditions are provided in Appendix X1.
B 487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide
1.2 The following hazards caveat pertains only to the test
Coating Thicknesses by Microscopical Examination of a
methods portions, Appendix X2, Appendix X3, and Appendix
Cross Section
X4, of this specification: This standard does not purport to
B 499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
address all of safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It
by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on Mag-
is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
netic Basis Metals
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
B 504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Me-
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
NOTE 1—The ISO standards 1456 and 1457 are not requirements but
B 530 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick-
can be referenced for additional information.
nesses by the Magnetic Method: Electrodeposited Nickel
Coatings on Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Substrates
2. Referenced Documents
B 537 Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to Atmospheric Exposure
B 117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
B 554 Guide for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic
Apparatus
Coatings on Nonmetallic Substrates
B 183 Practice for Preparation of Low-Carbon Steel for
B 568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
Electroplating
by X-Ray Spectrometry
B 242 Practice for Preparation of High-Carbon Steel for
B 571 Test Methods for Adhesion of Metallic Coatings
Electroplating
B 602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
B 252 Guide for Preparation of Zinc Alloy Die Castings for
Inorganic Coatings
Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
B 659 Guide for Measuring Thickness of Metallic and
Inorganic Coatings
B 697 Guide for Selection of Sampling Plans for Inspection
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B-8 on
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee of Electrodeposited Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
B08.03 on Decorative Coatings.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1995. Published December 1995. Originally
published as B 456 – 67. Last previous edition B 456 – 94.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02. Discontinued. See 1986 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.05. Discontinued. See 1985 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.05.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
B456–95
B 762 Method of Variables Sampling of Metallic and Inor- 4.3.4 A lower-case letter designating the type of copper
ganic Coatings deposit (if copper is used) (see 4.4 and 6.2.3),
B 764 Test Method for Simultaneous Thickness and Elec-
4.3.5 The chemical symbol for nickel (Ni),
trochemical Potential Determination of Individual Layers
4.3.6 A number indicating the minimum thickness of the
in Multilayer Nickel Deposit (STEP Test)
nickel coating, in micrometres,
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
4.3.7 A lower-case letter designating the type of nickel
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
deposit (see 4.4 and 6.2.4),
E 50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Precau-
4.3.8 The chemical symbol for chromium (Cr), and
tions for Chemical Analysis of Metals
4.3.9 A letter (or letters) designating the type of chromium
2.2 ISO Standards:
deposit and its minimum thickness in micrometres (see 4.4 and
ISO 1456 Metallic coatings—Electrodeposited coatings of
6.2.5).
nickel plus chromium and of copper plus nickel plus
4.4 Symbols for Expressing Classification—The following
chromium
lower-case letters shall be used in coating classification num-
ISO 1457 Metallic coatings—Electroplated coatings of cop-
bers to describe the types of coatings:
per plus nickel plus chromium on iron or steel
a —ductile copper deposited from acid-type baths
3. Terminology b —single-layer nickel deposited in the fully-bright condition
p —dull or semi-bright nickel requiring polishing to give full brightness
3.1 Definitions:
d —double- or triple-layer nickel coatings
3.1.1 significant surfaces—those surfaces normally visible r —regular (that is, conventional) chromium
mc —microcracked chromium
(directly or by reflection) that are essential to the appearance or
mp —microporous chromium
serviceability of the article when assembled in normal position;
or that can be the source of corrosion products that deface 4.5 Example of Complete Classification Numbers—A coat-
visible surfaces on the assembled article. When necessary, the ing on steel comprising 15 μm minimum (ductile acid) copper
significant surfaces shall be specified by the purchaser and plus 25 μm minimum (duplex) nickel plus 0.25μ m minimum
shall be indicated on the drawings of the parts, or by the (micro-cracked) chromium has the classification number: Fe/
provision of suitably marked samples. Cu15a Ni25d Cr mc (see 4.3 and 6.2 for explanation of
symbols).
4. Classification
4.1 Five grades of coatings designated by service condition
5. Ordering Information
numbers and several types of coatings defined by classification
5.1 When ordering articles to be electroplated in conform-
numbers are covered by this specification.
ance with this standard, the purchaser shall state the following:
4.2 Service Condition Number:
5.1.1 The ASTM designation number of this standard.
4.2.1 The service condition number indicates the severity of
5.1.2 Either the classification number of the specific coating
exposure for which the grade of coating is intended:
required (see 4.3) or the substrate material and the service
SC 5 extended severe service
condition number denoting the severity of the conditions it is
SC 4 very severe service,
required to withstand (see 4.2). If the service condition number
SC 3 severe service,
is quoted and not the classification number, the manufacturer is
SC 2 moderate service, and
free to supply any of the types of coatings designated by the
SC 1 mild service.
classification numbers corresponding to the specified service
4.2.2 Typical service conditions for which the various
condition number, as given in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or
service condition numbers are appropriate are given in Appen-
Table 4. On request, the manufacturer shall inform the pur-
dix X1.
chaser of the classification number of the coating applied.
4.3 Coating Classification Number—The coating classifica-
tion number comprises: 5.1.3 The appearance required, for example, bright, dull, or
satin. Alternatively, samples showing the required finish or
4.3.1 The chemical symbol for the basis metal (or for the
principal metal if an alloy) followed by a slash mark, except in range of finish shall be supplied or approved by the purchaser.
the case of stainless steel. In this case, the designation shall be
5.1.4 The significant surfaces, to be indicated on drawings
SS followed by the designated AISI number followed by a
of the parts, or by the provision of suitably marked specimens
slash, that is, SS463/,
(see 3.1).
4.3.2 The chemical symbol for copper (Cu) (if copper is
5.1.5 The positions on significant surfaces for rack or
used),
contact marks, where such marks are unavoidable (see 6.1.1).
4.3.3 A number indicating the minimum thickness of the
5.1.6 The extent to which defects shall be tolerated on
copper coating in micrometres (if copper is used),
nonsignificant surfaces.
5.1.7 The ductility if other than the standard value (see 6.4).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. 5.1.8 The extent of tolerable surface deterioration after
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
corrosion testing (see 6.6.3).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.
5.1.9 Sampling methods and acceptance levels (see Section
Available from International Standards Organization, 1 Rue de Varembe,
Geneva 20, Switzerland. 7).
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
B456–95
TABLE 1 Nickel Plus Chromium Coatings on Steel TABLE 3 Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium Coatings on Zinc
Alloy
NOTE 1—Results of a test program indicate there is some doubt whether
NOTE 1—Results of a test program indicate there is some doubt whether
the coating systems described by the classification numbers involving
the coating systems described by the classification numbers involving
regular chromium are satisfactory for SC 4 and SC 3.
regular chromium are satisfactory for SC 4 and SC 3.
NOTE 2—When permitted by the purchaser, copper may be used as an
undercoat for nickel but is not substitutable for any part of the nickel
Service Condition
A
Classification No. Nickel Thickness, μm
thickness specified. If the use of copper is permitted, Table 3 may be used
No.
to obtain the same service conditions.
SC 5 Zn/Cu5 Ni35d Cr mc 35
A
Zn/Cu5 Ni35d Cr mp 35
Service Condition Classification No. Nickel Thickness,
No. μm
SC 4 Zn/Cu5 Ni35d Cr r 35
SC 5 Fe/Ni35d Cr mc 35
Zn/Cu5 Ni30d Cr mc 30
Fe/Ni35d Cr mp 35
Zn/Cu5 Ni30d Cr mp 30
SC 4 Fe/Ni40d Cr r 40
Fe/Ni30d Cr mc 30
SC 3 Zn/Cu5 Ni25d Cr r 25
Fe/Ni30d Cr mp 30
Zn/Cu5 Ni20d Cr mc 20
SC 3 Fe/Ni30d Cr r 30
Zn/Cu5 Ni20d Cr mp 20
Fe/Ni25d Cr mc 25
Fe/Ni25d Cr mp 25
Zn/Cu5 Ni35p Cr r 35
Fe/Ni40p Cr r 40
Zn/Cu5 Ni25p Cr mc 25
Fe/Ni30p Cr mc 30
Zn/Cu5 Ni25p Cr mp 25
Fe/Ni30p Cr mp 30
B
SC 2 Fe/Ni20b Cr r 20
B
SC 2 Zn/Cu5 Ni20b Cr r 20
Fe/Ni15b Cr mc 15
Zn/Cu5 Ni15b Cr mc 15
Fe/Ni15b Cr mp 15
Zn/Cu5 Ni15b Cr mp 15
B
SC 1 Fe/Ni10b Cr r 10
A B
When a dull or satin finish is required, unbuffed p nickel may be substituted for SC 1 Zn/Cu5 Ni10b Cr r 10
a b nickel or for the bright layer of d nickel.
A
When a dull or satin finish is required, unbuffed p nickel may be substituted for
B
p or d nickel may be substituted for b nickel in Service Condition Nos. 2 and
b nickel or for the bright layer of d nickel.
1, and mc or mp chromium may be substituted for r chromium in Service Condition
B
p or d nickel may be substituted for b nickel in Service Condition Nos. 2 and
No. 1.
1, and mc or mp chromium may be substituted for r chromium in Service Condition
No. 1.
TABLE 2 Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium Coatings on Steel
A
TABLE 4 Nickel Plus Chromium Coatings on Copper or Copper
Service Condition Classification No. Nickel Thickness,
No. μm
Alloy
SC 5 Fe/Cu15a Ni30d Cr mc 30
NOTE 1—Although the classification numbers are satisfactory for each
Fe/Cu15a Ni30d Cr mp 30
of the indicated service condition numbers, systems using microdiscon-
SC 4 Fe/Cu15a Ni25d Cr mc 25
tinuous chromium are generally superior in corrosion resistance to those
Fe/Cu15a Ni25d Cr mp 25
using regular chromium.
SC 3 Fe/Cu12a Ni20d Cr mc 20
Fe/Cu12a Ni20d Cr mp 20
Service Condition
A
Classification No. Nickel Thickness, μm
A
No.
When a dull or satin finish is required, unbuffed p nickel may be substituted for
the bright layer of d nickel.
SC 4 Cu/Ni30d Cr r 30
Cu/Ni25d Cr mc 25
Cu/Ni25d Cr mp 25
5.1.10 The minimum values of the electrochemical potential
differences between individual nickel layers as measured in SC 3 Cu/Ni25d Cr r 25
Cu/Ni20d Cr mc 20
accordance with Test Method B 764 within the limits given in
Cu/Ni20d Cr mp 20
6.7.
5.1.11 Adhesion Test—The adhesion test to be used (see
Cu/Ni25p Cr r 25
Cu/Ni20p Cr mc 20
6.3).
Cu/Ni20p Cr mp 20
6. Product Requirements
Cu/Ni30b Cr r 30
Cu/Ni25b Cr mc 25
6.1 Visual Defects:
Cu/Ni25b Cr mp 25
6.1.1 The significant surfaces of the electroplated article
B
shall be free of clearly visible plating defects, such as blisters, SC 2 Cu/Ni15b Cr r 15
Cu/Ni10b Cr mc 10
pits, roughness, cracks, and uncoated areas and shall not be
Cu/Ni10b Cr mp 10
stained or discolored. On articles where a visible contact mark
B
is unavoidable, its position shall be specified by the purchaser. SC 1 Cu/Ni5b Cr r 5
A
The electroplated article shall be clean and free of damage.
When a dull or satin finish is required, unbuffed p nickel may be substituted for
b nickel or for the bright layer of d nickel.
6.1.2 Defects in the surface of the basis metal, such as
B
p or d nickel may be substituted for b nickel in Service Condition Nos. 2 and
scratches, porosity, nonconducting inclusions, roll and die
1 and mc or mp chromium may be substituted for r chromium in Service Condition
marks, cold shuts, and cracks, may adversely affect the
No. 1.
appearance and the performance of coatings applied thereto
despite the observance of the best electroplating practices.
NOTE 2—To minimize problems of this type, the specifications cover-
ing the basis material or the item to be electroplated should contain
Accor
...