ASTM B904-00(2021)

Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements for multilayer coatings of autocatalytic nickel-phosphorus over autocatalytic copper intended for electromagnetic interference or electrostatic discharge shielding to parts fabricated from either polymeric or metallic substrates or parts. Coatings are classified into four types based on thickness and testing requirements, and into two grades based on alloy composition, specifically phosphorus. Surfaces shall be prepared by cleaning it of surface contaminants, conditioning, and activation; identifying of base material suitability; and mechanical roughening. Coatings shouldl be inspected for process qualification, appearance, blisters, unplated areas, adhesion, electrical continuity, and DC resistance. Coatings should also be tested for thickness, which may be performed either by Coulometric, X-ray, or Beta backscatter methods. The requirements for process qualification shall include coating composition, electrical integrity, adhesion, thermal shock resistance, thermal cycling, and shielding effectiveness.
SCOPE
1.1 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 25.220.40 - Metallic coatings
• Technical Committee: B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Drafting Committee: B08.03 - Engineering Coatings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM B533-85(2019) - Standard Test Method for Peel Strength of Metal Electroplated Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B320-60(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4935-18 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM B733-04(2014) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM B183-79(2014) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Low-Carbon Steel for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM B242-99(2014) - Standard Guide for Preparation of High-Carbon Steel for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM B320-60(2013) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM B533-85(2013) - Standard Test Method for Peel Strength of Metal Electroplated Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM B253-11 - Standard Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Alloys for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM B504-90(2011) - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM B374-06(2011) - Standard Terminology Relating to Electroplating
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM B253-87(2010) - Standard Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Alloys for Electroplating
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4935-10 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D3330/D3330M-04(2010) - Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM B602-88(2010) - Standard Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B904 −00 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B904; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope B504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Metal-
This specification presents the requirements for multilayer lic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
coatings of autocatalytic nickel-phosphorus over autocata- B532 Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic
lytic copper on metallic and polymeric substrates. The coat- Surfaces
ing system is intended to provide electromagnetic interfer- B533 Test Method for Peel Strength of Metal Electroplated
ence (EMI) protection properties or electrostatic discharge Plastics
(ESD) protection to parts fabricated from either polymeric or B553 Test Method for Thermal Cycling of Electroplated
metallic materials. Plastics (Withdrawn 1991)
B554 Practice for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic
1.1 This international standard was developed in accor-
Coatings on Nonmetallic Substrates (Withdrawn 1987)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
B567 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
by the Beta Backscatter Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
B568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
by X-Ray Spectrometry
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
B602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
Inorganic Coatings
2. Referenced Documents
B697 Guide for Selection of Sampling Plans for Inspection
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of Electrodeposited Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
A919 Terminology Relating to Heat Treatment of Metals
B727 Practice for Preparation of Plastics Materials for Elec-
(Withdrawn 1999)
troplating
B183 Practice for Preparation of Low-Carbon Steel for
B733 Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-
Electroplating
Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
B242 Guide for Preparation of High-Carbon Steel for Elec-
D3330/D3330M TestMethodforPeelAdhesionofPressure-
troplating
Sensitive Tape
B252 Guide for Preparation of Zinc Alloy Die Castings for
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
D4935 Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic
B253 Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Alloys for Elec-
Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials
troplating
2.2 Military Standard:
B320 Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electro-
MIL-STD-461 Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibility
plating
Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interfer-
B322 Guide for Cleaning Metals Prior to Electroplating
ence
B374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating
3. Terminology
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on
3.1 Definitions—Many of the terms used in this specifica-
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
tion can be found in Terminologies A919 or B374.
B08.03 on Engineering Coatings.
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
approvedin2000.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2014asB904 – 00(2014).DOI:
3.2.1 significant surfaces, n—these surfaces are classified as
10.1520/B0904-00R21.
primary, secondary, nonsignificant, and coating-free surfaces.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
www.astm.org. Robbins Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094, Attn: NPODS.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B904−00 (2021)
3.2.1.1 coating-free areas, adj—areas specified on part 4.3.3 Grade 1 coatings have a phosphorus content between
drawings or suitably marked samples. 3 and 5 %.
3.2.1.2 nonsignificant surfaces, adj—all holes, recesses, and
NOTE 2—Low phosphorus coatings exhibit low electrical contact
other areas where a controlled deposit cannot be obtained impedance. High phosphorus contents exhibit somewhat higher contact
impedance, however, the coating is more corrosion resistant.
under normal coating conditions and that cannot be touched
with a 20-mm diameter ball shall be considered nonsignificant
4.3.4 Grade 2 coatings have a phosphorus content between
surfacesunlessotherwisespecifiedonpartdrawingsorsuitably
6 and 11 %.
marked samples.
NOTE 3—The adhesion and resistance to blistering are improved on
3.2.1.3 primary significant surface, adj—all mating surfaces
some polymeric substrates by an initial flash deposit of autocatalytic
nickel.
and those other surfaces specified on part drawings or suitably
marked samples.
5. Ordering Information
3.2.1.4 secondary significant surfaces, adj—all surfaces,
5.1 To avoid misunderstanding between contractual parties,
other than primary significant surfaces, that can be touched
purchase orders or contracts for autocatalytic nickel over
with a 20-mm diameter ball shall be considered secondary
autocatalytic copper coatings under this specification should
significantsurfacesunlessotherwisespecifiedonpartdrawings
include the designation, issue date, and the following informa-
or suitably marked samples.
tion:
4. Classification 5.1.1 Type of substrate.
5.1.1.1 Metallic substrates should state the composition and
4.1 This classification system provides for the following:
metallurgical condition. Assemblies of dissimilar materials
4.1.1 Types of coating based on thickness and testing
should be identified.
requirements, and
5.1.1.2 Polymeric substrates should state the polymer type
4.1.2 Grades of coating based on alloy composition.
and should be of a plating grade.
4.2 Coating Type:
5.1.2 Classification of the deposit by type and grade.
4.2.1 The coating type indicates the type of application and
5.1.3 Primary significant surfaces and coating-free surfaces
tests to be used in determining the acceptance of the coating.
must be indicated on drawings.
4.2.2 Coating Type Definitions:
5.1.4 Any special requirements.
4.2.2.1 Type 1—Coatings intended to shield devices for
5.1.5 Testmethodsforcoatingadhesion,thickness,porosity.
FCC/VDE Class B service.
5.1.6 Sampling program.
4.2.2.2 Type 2—Coatings intended to shield devices for
FCC/VDE Class B service in harsh environments.
6. Surface Preparation
4.2.2.3 Type 3—Coatings intended to shield devices for
6.1 Surface Contamination—Surfaces of polymeric parts
MIL-STD-461 requirements.
must be free of all mold release agents, dirt, oil, grease, and
4.2.2.4 Type 4—Coatings intended to shield devices for
contamination detrimental to the final finish. Surfaces of
FCC/VDE Class A requirements.
metallic parts must be free of all scale, oxidation, and contami-
4.2.3 The description of Types 1, 2, 3, and 4 is summarized
nation detrimental to the final finish. A clean surface is
in Table 1.
essential to the adhesion and electrical conductivity require-
4.3 Coating Grade:
ments of the subsequent coated part.
4.3.1 The coating grade is based upon phosphorus content.
6.2 Cleaning, Conditioning, and Activating—Any adequate
NOTE 1—The coating grade indicates the relative contact impedance
method of cleaning, conditioning, and activating is acceptable
and the relative corrosion resistance of the nickel-phosphorus coating and
provided the coated parts meet the inspection requirements and
tests to be used in determining the acceptance of the coating
are free of distortion. Examples of adequate methods of
4.3.2 Coating Grade Definitions:
cleaning can be found in 10.2.
6.2.1 BaseMaterialSuitability—Thepartstobecoatedshall
be inspected by the coater prior to any processing to determine
TABLE 1 Autocatalytic Nickel-Phosphorus Over Autocatalytic
their suitability for coating. Unsuitable parts shall be returned
Copper Coating Descriptions Summary
to the fabricator or molder.
Type Thickness Shielding Application
Autocatalytic Autocatalytic Effectiveness
6.3 Mechanical Roughening—Mechanical roughening of
Copper Nickel- (Typical) in
polymersurfaces,topromoteadhesion,mayonlybeusedwhen
Phosphorus accordance with
Test Method
specified on the part drawing.
D4935
1 1 µm min 0.25 µm min 80-100 dB FCC/VDE
7. In-Process Storage and Handling
Class B
2 1 µm min 1.5 µm min 80-100 dB Harsh Envi-
7.1 Following cleaning, conditioning, and activating, all
ronment
3 2.5 µm min 0.25 µm min 90-110 dB MIL-STD- parts shall be immediately coated with copper and then
461B
nickel-phosphorus to the thickness specified in Table 1. The
4 Optional/Not re- 1.0 µm min 50-70 dB FCC/VDE
parts processing cycle shall be a continuous operation without
quired Class A
any interruption.
B904−00 (2021)
7.2 Handling—The parts shall be suitably racked so as to Beta Backscatter Method—See Test Method B567
prevent gas entrapment and to avoid physical handling of the (1) Coulometric Method—This semi-destructive method is
primary significant surfaces. suitable for the measurement of individual layers in the range
of 0.25 to 100 µm.
7.3 Drying—Following coating, the parts may be dried with
(2) X-Ray M
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