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ASTM B532-85(2007)

(Specification)

Standard Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic Surfaces

Standard Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic Surfaces

ABSTRACT
This specification limits the amounts and types of visual defects that can be tolerated on decoratively electroplated surfaces of plastic products. The appearance of surfaces will be separately evaluated depending on the prominence of the surface under conditions of ordinary use. The classifications are: surface A; surface B; and surface C. The part under test shall be evaluated in the same relative position as it will normally be viewed under usual conditions of use.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification limits the amounts and types of visual defects that can be tolerated on decoratively electroplated surfaces of plastic products. The quantity of defects permitted shall be specified by the purchaser.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
30-Sep-2007
ICS
25.220.40 - Metallic coatings
Technical Committee
B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM B532-85(2002) - Standard Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic Surfaces
Effective Date
01-Oct-2007
Referred By
ASTM B904-00(2021) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Effective Date
01-Oct-2007
Referred By
ASTM B604-91(2019) - Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
Effective Date
01-Oct-2007
Referred By
ASTM B727-04(2020) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Plastics Materials for Electroplating
Effective Date
01-Oct-2007

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ASTM B532-85(2007) - Standard Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic SurfacesASTM B532-85(2007) - Standard Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic Surfaces
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ASTM B532-85(2007) - Standard Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic Surfaces
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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:B532 −85(Reapproved 2007) Endorsed by American
Electroplaters Society
Endorsed by National
Association of Metal Finishers
Standard Specification for
Appearance of Electroplated Plastic Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B532; 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 4.1.4 Surface D—The surface not visible to the observer
under conditions of normal use.
1.1 This specification limits the amounts and types of visual
defects that can be tolerated on decoratively electroplated
5. Significance and Use
surfaces of plastic products. The quantity of defects permitted
5.1 Where electroplated plastics are used for decorative
shall be specified by the purchaser.
purposes, the appearance after plating is important. This
standard provides a means of evaluating the appearance of the
2. Referenced Documents
substrate and the coating.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating
6. Method of Evaluation
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
6.1 The part under test shall be evaluated in the same
relative position as it will normally be viewed under usual
3. Terminology
conditions of use.
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology B374 for terms relating
6.2 After proper positioning, the part under test shall be
to electroplating. For terms not relating to electroplating, see
evaluated at a distance of not less than 600 mm nor more than
Terminology D883.
900 mm from the observer, using diffused daylight-type
4. Classification of Surfaces
fluorescent lighting or 1500 to 1600 lm/m at the surface of the
part being inspected.
4.1 The appearance of surfaces will be separately evaluated
depending on the prominence of the surface under conditions
6.3 Theobservershallhave20/20visionatadistanceof600
of ordinary use.
to 900 mm, corrected with eyeglasses if necessary.
4.1.1 Surface A—The surface that appears most prominent
7. Appearance Guide
to the observer, or most likely to be noticed at first glance.
4.1.2 Surface B—The surface (usually adjacent to Surface
7.1 Table 1 limits the extent to which various defects are
A) which is somewhat less prominent to the observer.
acceptable on each of the four surface classifications described
4.1.3 Surface C—The surface not readily seen by the
in Section 4.
observer except at an angle, or by special observation.
7.2 In Table 1 the term “some” assumes that the defects
cited are not outstanding, too numerous, or located too closely
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on
together. The specific number of defects permitted, and their
Metallic and Inorganic Coatingsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
spacing, shall be specified by the purchaser. The term “no”
B08.08 on Metallic Coatings.
indicates that the defect cited is not normally acceptable. The
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2007. Published October 2007. Originally
term “yes” indicates that the defect cited is normally accept
...

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Approximate Hardness (HK25)  
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