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ASTM B904-00(2004)

(Specification)

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

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 specification presents the requirements for multilayer coatings of autocatalytic nickel-phosphorus over autocatalytic copper on metallic and polymeric substrates. The coating system is intended to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection properties or electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection to parts fabricated from either polymeric or metallic materials.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
30-Sep-2004
ICS
25.220.40 - Metallic coatings
Technical Committee
B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
Drafting Committee
B08.03 - Engineering Coatings
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM B904-00 - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Effective Date
01-Oct-2004
Replaced By
ASTM B904-00(2009) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Effective Date
01-Sep-2009

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ASTM B904-00(2004) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference ShieldingASTM B904-00(2004) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
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ASTM B904-00(2004) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic Nickel over Autocatalytic Copper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
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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.
Designation: B904 – 00 (Reapproved 2004)
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 B554 Practice for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic
Coatings on Nonmetallic Substrates
This specification presents the requirements for multilayer
B567 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
coatings of autocatalytic nickel-phosphorus over autocatalytic
by the Beta Backscatter Method
copper on metallic and polymeric substrates. The coating
B568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
system is intended to provide electromagnetic interference
by X-Ray Spectrometry
(EMI) protection properties or electrostatic discharge (ESD)
B602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
protection to parts fabricated from either polymeric or metallic
Inorganic Coatings
materials.
B697 Guide for Selection of Sampling Plans for Inspection
2. Referenced Documents of Electrodeposited Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
B727 Practice for Preparation of Plastics Materials for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Electroplating
A919 Terminology Relating to Heat Treatment of Metals
B733 Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-
B183 Practice for Preparation of Low-Carbon Steel for
Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
Electroplating
D3330/D3330M Test Method for Peel Adhesion of
B242 Guide for Preparation of High-Carbon Steel for Elec-
Pressure-Sensitive Tape
troplating
D3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
B252 Guide for Preparation of Zinc Alloy Die Castings for
D4935 Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic
Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials
B253 Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Alloys for Elec-
2.2 Military Standard:
troplating
MIL-STD-461 Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibil-
B320 Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electro-
ity Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic
plating
Interference
B322 Guide for Cleaning Metals Prior to Electroplating
B374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating
3. Terminology
B504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Me-
3.1 Definitions—Many of the terms used in this specifica-
tallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
tion can be found in Terminologies A919 or B374.
B532 Specification for Appearance of Electroplated Plastic
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Surfaces
3.2.1 significant surfaces, n—thesesurfacesareclassifiedas
B533 Test Method for Peel Strength of Metal Electroplated
primary, secondary, nonsignificant, and coating-free surfaces.
Plastics
3.2.1.1 coating-free areas, adj—areas specified on part
B553 Test Method for Thermal Cycling of Electroplated
drawings or suitably marked samples.
Plastics
3.2.1.2 nonsignificant surfaces, adj—allholes,recesses,and
other areas where a controlled deposit cannot be obtained
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on
under normal coating conditions and that cannot be touched
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
with a 20-mm diameter ball shall be considered nonsignificant
B08.08.01 on Engineering Coatings.
surfacesunlessotherwisespecifiedonpartdrawingsorsuitably
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2004. Published October 2004. Originally
marked samples.
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as B904 – 00. DOI:
10.1520/B0904-00R04.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on on www.astm.org.
the ASTM website. AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Withdrawn. 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 (2004)
some polymeric substrates by an initial flash deposit of autocatalytic
3.2.1.3 primary significant surface, adj—all mating sur-
nickel.
faces 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,
other than primary significant surfaces, that can be touched 5.1 To avoid misunderstanding between contractual parties,
purchase orders or contracts for autocatalytic nickel over
with a 20-mm diameter ball shall be considered secondary
significantsurfacesunlessotherwisespecifiedonpartdrawings autocatalytic copper coatings under this specification should
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:
4.1.1 Types of coating based on thickness and testing metallurgical condition. Assemblies of dissimilar materials
should be identified.
requirements, and
4.1.2 Grades of coating based on alloy composition.
5.1.1.2 Polymeric substrates should state the polymer type
4.2 Coating Type: and should be of a plating grade.
4.2.1 The coating type indicates the type of application and
5.1.2 Classification of the deposit by type and grade.
tests to be used in determining the acceptance of the coating.
5.1.3 Primary significant surfaces and coating-free surfaces
4.2.2 Coating Type Definitions:
must be indicated on drawings.
4.2.2.1 Type 1—Coatings intended to shield devices for
5.1.4 Any special requirements.
FCC/VDE Class B service.
5.1.5 Testmethodsforcoatingadhesion,thickness,porosity.
4.2.2.2 Type 2—Coatings intended to shield devices for
5.1.6 Sampling program.
FCC/VDE Class B service in harsh environments.
4.2.2.3 Type 3—Coatings intended to shield devices for
6. Surface Preparation
MIL-STD-461 requirements.
6.1 Surface Contamination—Surfaces of polymeric parts
4.2.2.4 Type 4—Coatings intended to shield devices for
must be free of all mold release agents, dirt, oil, grease, and
FCC/VDE Class A requirements.
contamination detrimental to the final finish. Surfaces of
4.2.3 The description of Types 1, 2, 3, and 4 is summarized
metallic parts must be free of all scale, oxidation, and contami-
in Table 1.
nation detrimental to the final finish. A clean surface is
4.3 Coating Grade:
essential to the adhesion and electrical conductivity require-
4.3.1 The coating grade is based upon phosphorus content.
ments of the subsequent coated part.
NOTE 1—The coating grade indicates the relative contact impedance
6.2 Cleaning, Conditioning, and Activating—Any adequate
and the relative corrosion resistance of the nickel-phosphorus coating and
method of cleaning, conditioning, and activating is acceptable
tests to be used in determining the acceptance of the coating
provided the coated parts meet the inspection requirements and
4.3.2 Coating Grade Definitions:
are free of distortion. Examples of adequate methods of
4.3.3 Grade 1 coatings have a phosphorus content between
cleaning can be found in 10.2.
3 and 5 %.
6.2.1 Base Material Suitability—The parts to be coated
NOTE 2—Low phosphorus coatings exhibit low electrical contact im-
shall be inspected by the coater prior to any processing to
pedance. High phosphorus contents exhibit somewhat higher contact
determinetheirsuitabilityforcoating.Unsuitablepartsshallbe
impedance, however, the coating is more corrosion resistant.
returned to the fabricator or molder.
4.3.4 Grade 2 coatings have a phosphorus content between
6.3 Mechanical Roughening—Mechanical roughening of
6 and 11 %.
polymersurfaces,topromoteadhesion,mayonlybeusedwhen
specified on the part drawing.
NOTE 3—The adhesion and resistance to blistering are improved on
7. In-Process Storage and Handling
TABLE 1 Autocatalytic Nickel-Phosphorus Over Autocatalytic
7.1 Following cleaning, conditioning, and activating, all
Copper Coating Descriptions Summary
parts shall be immediately coated with copper and then
Type Thickness Shielding Application
nickel-phosphorus to the thickness specified in Table 1. The
Effectiveness
(Typical) in
parts processing cycle shall be a continuous operation without
Autocatalytic Autocatalytic
accordance with
Copper Nickel-
any interruption.
Test Method
Phosphorus
D4935 7.2 Handling—The parts shall be suitably racked so as to
prevent gas entrapment and to avoid physical handling of the
1 1 µm min 0.25 µm min 80-100 dB FCC/VDE
Class B
primary significant surfaces.
2 1 µm min 1.5 µm min 80-100 dB Harsh
7.3 Drying—Following coating, the parts may be dried with
Environment
3 2.5 µm min 0.25 µm min 90-110 dB MIL-STD- warm air currents. Drying temperature shall not exceed the
461B
heat distortion temperature of the substrate. Wetting agents
4 Optional/Not 1.0 µm min 50-70 dB FCC/VDE
may be used to enhance water shedding provided they do not
required Class A
interfere with subsequent paint adhesion.
B904 – 00 (2004)
7.4 Storage—Following drying, all parts shall be stored in a 8.2.3.2 Restriction—Electronic thickness testers utilizing
clean dry a
...

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Approximate Hardness (HK25)  
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1.1 This guide covers the use of the dropping test to measure the thickness of electrodeposited zinc, cadmium, copper, and tin coatings.  
Note 1: Under most circumstances this method of measuring coating thicknesses is not as reliable or as convenient to use as an appropriate coating thickness gauge (see Test Methods B499, B504, and B568).  
1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 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.

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ASTM
ASTM B734-97(2023)(Specification)
Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Copper for Engineering Uses

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for electrodeposited copper coatings used for engineering purposes including surface hardening, heat treatment stop-off, as an underplate for other engineering coatings, for electromagnetic interference shielding in electronic circuitry, and in certain joining operations. This specification does not cover electrodeposited copper used as a decorative finish, as an undercoat for other decorative finishes, or for electroforming. Coatings shall be classified according to thickness. Metal parts shall undergo pre- and post-coating treatment for reducing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, and peening. Coatings shall be sampled, tested, and shall conform to specified requirements as to appearance, thickness, porosity, solderability, adhesion, embrittlement relief, and packaging.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for electrodeposited coatings of copper used for engineering purposes. Examples include surface hardening, heat treatment stop-off, as an underplate for other engineering coatings, for electromagnetic interferences (EMI) shielding in electronic circuitry, and in certain joining operations.  
1.2 This specification is not intended for electrodeposited copper when used as a decorative finish, or as an undercoat for other decorative finishes.  
1.3 This specification is not intended for electrodeposited copper when used for electroforming.  
1.4 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.

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