ASTM B689-97

Standard Specification for Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for electroplated nickel coatings applied to metal products for engineering applications.  
1.2 Electroplating of nickel for engineering applications (Note 1) requires technical considerations significantly different from decorative applications because the following functional properties are important:  
1.2.1 Hardness, strength, and ductility,  
1.2.2 Wear resistance,  
1.2.3 Load bearing characteristics,  
1.2.4 Corrosion resistance,  
1.2.5 Heat scaling resistance,  
1.2.6 Fretting resistance, and
1.2.7 Fatigue resistance.  Note 1-Functional electroplated nickel coatings usually contain about 99% nickel, and are most frequently electrodeposited from a Watts nickel bath or a nickel sulfamate bath. Typical mechanical properties of nickel electroplated from these baths, and the combined effect of bath operation and solution composition variables on the mechanical properties of the electrodeposit are given in Practice B503. When electroplated nickel is required to have higher hardnesses, greater wear resistance, certain residual stress values and certain leveling characteristics, sulfur and other substances are incorporated in the nickel deposit through the use of certain addition agents in the electroplating solution. For the effect of such additives, see Section 4 and Annex A3. Cobalt salts are sometimes added to the plating solution to produce harder nickel alloy deposits.
1.3 The following hazards caveat pertains only to the Test Methods section, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address the safety problems 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: 31-Dec-1996
• Technical Committee: B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Drafting Committee: B08.03 - Engineering Coatings

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM B689-97(2003) - Standard Specification for Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2080-23 - Standard Specification for Cold-Expansion Fittings with Metal Compression-Sleeves for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM B679-98(2021) - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Palladium for Engineering Use
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM B866-95(2018) - Standard Test Method for Gross Defects and Mechanical Damage in Metallic Coatings by Polysulfide Immersion
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM F1370-92(2019)e1 - Standard Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Water Systems, Shipboard
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM B765-03(2018) - Standard Guide for Selection of Porosity and Gross Defect Tests for Electrodeposits and Related Metallic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM B877-96(2018) - Standard Test Method for Gross Defects and Mechanical Damage in Metallic Coatings by the Phosphomolybdic Acid (PMA) Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM B851-04(2020) - Standard Specification for Automated Controlled Shot Peening of Metallic Articles Prior to Nickel, Autocatalytic Nickel, or Chromium Plating, or as Final Finish
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM B984-12(2020)e1 - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Palladium-Cobalt Alloy for Engineering Use
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued. 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. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: B 689 – 97
Standard Specification for
Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 689; 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 183 Practice for Preparation of Low-Carbon Steel for
Electroplating
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for electro-
B 242 Practice for Preparation of High-Carbon Steel for
plated nickel coatings applied to metal products for engineer-
Electroplating
ing applications, for example, for use as a buildup for misma-
B 252 Guide for Preparation of Zinc Alloy Die Castings for
chined or worn parts, for electronic applications, including as
Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
underplates in contacts or interconnections, and in certain
B 253 Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Alloys for Elec-
joining applications.
troplating
1.2 Electroplating of nickel for engineering applications
B 254 Practice for Preparation of and Electroplating on
(Note 1) requires technical considerations significantly differ-
Stainless Steel
ent from decorative applications because the following func-
B 281 Practice for Preparation of Copper and Copper-Base
tional properties are important:
Alloys for Electroplating and Conversion Coatings
1.2.1 Hardness, strength, and ductility,
B 320 Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electro-
1.2.2 Wear resistance,
plating
1.2.3 Load bearing characteristics,
B 322 Practice for Cleaning Metals Prior to Electroplating
1.2.4 Corrosion resistance,
B 343 Practice for Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating
1.2.5 Heat scaling resistance,
with Nickel
1.2.6 Fretting resistance, and
B 374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating
1.2.7 Fatigue resistance.
B 480 Guide for Preparation of Magnesium and Magnesium
NOTE 1—Functional electroplated nickel coatings usually contain about 2
Alloys for Electroplating
99 % nickel, and are most frequently electrodeposited from a Watts nickel
B 487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide
bath or a nickel sulfamate bath. Typical mechanical properties of nickel
Coating Thicknesses by Microscopical Examination of a
electroplated from these baths, and the combined effect of bath operation
Cross Section
and solution composition variables on the mechanical properties of the
electrodeposit are given in Guide B 832. When electroplated nickel is B 499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
required to have higher hardnesses, greater wear resistance, certain
by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on Mag-
residual stress values and certain leveling characteristics, sulfur and other
netic Basis Metals
substances are incorporated in the nickel deposit through the use of certain
B 507 Practice for Design of Articles to Be Electroplated on
addition agents in the electroplating solution. For the effect of such
Racks
additives, see Section 4 and Annex A3. Cobalt salts are sometimes added
B 530 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick-
to the plating solution to produce harder nickel alloy deposits.
nesses by the Magnetic Method: Electrodeposited Nickel
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Coatings on Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Substrates
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
B 558 Practice for Preparation of Nickel Alloys for Electro-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
plating
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
B 568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
by X-Ray Spectrometry
B 571 Test Methods for Adhesion of Metallic Coatings
2. Referenced Documents
B 602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Inorganic Coatings
B 697 Guide for Selection of Sampling Plans for Inspection
of Electrodeposited Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B-8 on
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B08.08.01 on Engineering Coatings.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1997. Published February 1998. Originally
published as B 689 – 81. Last previous edition B 689 – 90. 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. 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. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
B 689
NOTE 4—Good adhesion of electroplated nickel to stainless steels and
B 762 Method of Variables Sampling of Metallic and Inor-
high alloy steels usually requires a preliminary strike of electrodeposited
ganic Coatings
nickel. The recommended practices for the preparation of and electroplat-
B 765 Guide for Selection of Porosity Tests for Electrode-
ing on stainless steels and nickel alloys are given in Practices B 254 and
posits and Related Metallic Coatings
B 558, respectively.
B 849 Specification for Pre-treatments of Iron or Steel for
4.2 Thickness Classification—The electroplated nickel
Reducing Risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement
thickness, in view of the wide variety for industrial uses, shall
B 850 Specification for Post-Coating Treatments of Iron or
be specified according to the following classes (Note 5):
Steel for Reducing Risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement
Class Minimum Nickel Thickness, μm
B 851 Specification for Automated Controlled Shot Peening
of Metallic Articles Prior to Nickel, Autocatalytic Nickel,
25 25
50 50
or Chromium Plating, or as a Final Finish
100 100
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
200 200
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
X thickness as specified
F 519 Test Method for Mechanical Hydrogen Embrittle-
NOTE 5—There is no technical limit to the nickel thickness that can be
ment Testing of Plating Processes and Aircraft Mainte-
electroplated. There are practical limits to nickel thickness and uniformity
nance Chemicals
of thickness distribution caused by the size and geometric configuration of
2.2 Military Standards: the parts. (See 3.1.)
MIL-R-81841 Rotary Flap Peening of Metal Parts
5. Ordering Information
MIL-S-13165 Shot Peening of Metal Parts
5.1 The buyer shall supply the following information to the
MIL-W-81840 Rotary Flap Peening Wheels
seller in either the purchase order or engineering drawings,
3. Terminology
marked samples, or other governing documents.
5.1.1 Title, ASTM designation number, and year of the
3.1 Definitions:
standard.
3.1.1 significant surfaces—those surfaces normally visible
5.1.2 Classification type and thickness classification of elec-
(directly or by reflection) that are essential to the appearance or
troplated nickel to be applied (see 4.1 and 4.2).
serviceability of the article when assembled in normal position;
5.1.3 Significant surfaces (see 3.1).
or that can be the source of corrosion products that deface
5.1.4 Sampling plan (see Section 8).
visible surfaces on the assembled article. When necessary, the
5.1.5 Number of test specimens for destructive testing (see
significant surfaces shall be indicated on the drawing for the
7.1). Identify the substrate material by alloy identification, such
article, or by the provision of suitably marked samples.
as by ASTM, AISI, or SAE numbers, or by equivalent
NOTE 2—The thickness of the electrodeposit in holes, corners, recesses,
composition information.
and other areas where thickness cannot be controlled under normal
5.1.6 The thickness, adhesion, porosity, and hydrogen em-
electroplating conditions shall be specified by the buyer (see Note 5).
brittlement tests required. See 6.3-6.7.
NOTE 3—When a deposit of controlled thickness is required in holes,
5.1.7 The required grinding or polishing operations of the
corners, recesses, and similar areas, special racking, auxiliary anodes or
shielding will be necessary.
basis metal as are necessary to yield deposit with the desired
properties.
3.2 Terminology B 374 contains most of the terms used in
5.1.8 Where required, the basis metal finish shall be speci-
this specification.
fied in terms of centerline average (CLA), or arithmetical
4. Classification
average (AA).
5.1.9 Appearance: whether superficial staining from final
4.1 Electroplated nickel shall be provided in any one of the
rinsing or discoloration after baking is acceptable.
following three types (Note 4):
5.1.10 Where required, post-treatment grinding or machin-
4.1.1 Type 1—Nickel electroplated from solutions not con-
ing shall be specified for parts which are to be electroplated and
taining hardeners, brighteners, or stress control additives.
subsequently ground or machined to size.
4.1.2 Type 2—Nickel electrodeposits used at moderate tem-
5.1.11 Where required dimensional tolerances allowed for
peratures and containing sulfur or other codeposited elements
the specified electroplated nickel thickness or class shall be
or compounds thaT are present to increase the hardness, to
specified.
refine the grain structure, or to control the internal stress of the
5.1.12 Where required, microhardness ranges shall be speci-
electrodeposited nickel.
fied for the nickel deposit.
4.1.3 Type 3—Electrodeposited nickel containing dispersed
5.1.13 The buyer of the parts to be electroplated shall
submicron particles, such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide,
provide the electroplater with the following information as
and aluminum oxide that are present to increase hardness and
required:
wear resistance at temperatures above 325°C (618°F).
5.1.13.1 Ultimate tensile strength of the parts.
5.1.13.2 Rockwell C hardness of the parts.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
5.1.13.3 Heat treatment for stress relief, whether it has been
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
performed or is required (see 6.2).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
6 5.1.13.4 Heat treatment for hydrogen embrittlement relief
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. (see 6.3 and Test Method F 519).
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued. 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. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
B 689
5.1.13.5 Tensile loads required for the embrittlement relief are made of steels with ultimate tensile strengths of 1000 MPa,
test, if applicable. hardness of 31 HRC or greater, that have been machined,
5.1.13.6 Procedures and requirements for peening to induce ground, cold formed, or cold straightened subsequent to heat
residual compressive stress in specified surfaces (see Note 6 treatment, shall require stress relief heat treatment when
and 6.4). specified by the purchaser, the tensile strength to be supplied
by the purchaser. Specification B 849 may be consulted for a
NOTE 6—Electroplating on hardened (high alloy and high carbon)
list of pretreatments that are used widely.
steels can reduce the fatigue strength of the metal parts. This must be
6.3 Post-Coating Treatments of Iron and Steel for Reducing
considered if the parts will be subjected to repeated applications of
complex load patterns in service. Shot peening of significant surfaces the Risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement—Parts for critical appli-
before electroplating can reduce the loss of fatigue strength. Rotary flap
cations that are made of steels with ultimate tensile strengths of
peening, a manual method, can also be used in the repair of components
1000 MPa, hardness of 31 HRC or greater, as well as surface
in the field where conventional shot peening equipment is not available. If
hardened parts, shall require post coating hydrogen embrittle-
rotary flap peening is used, extreme care should be taken to ensure that the
ment relief baking when specified by the purchaser, the tensile
entire surface to be treated has been peened. Also, reduction in the fatigue
strength to be supplied by the purchaser. Specification B 850
life of nickel-electroplated steels can be reduced by considering the
may be consulted for a list of post treatments that are used
relations among the variables that influence fatigue life of nickel-
electroplated, hardened steels. widely.
6.4 Peening of Metal Parts—If peening is required before
5.1.13.7 What, if any, mechanical treatment was applied by
electroplating to induce residual compressive stress to increase
the manufacturer to the significant surface; that is, particulate
fatigue strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking of
blasting, grinding, polishing, or peening.
the metal parts, refer to Specification B 851 and to MIL-S-
5.1.14 The manufacturer of the parts to be electroplated
13165, MIL-R-81841, and MIL-W-81840.
shall provide the electroplating facility with test specimens (see
6.5 Thickness—The thickness of the coating everywhere on
Section 7) to be electroplated for conformance tests as re-
the significant surface shall conform to the requirements of the
quested for preparation, control, inspection, and lot acceptance.
specified class as defined in 3.2 (see Note 8 and 7.2).
6. Coating Requirements
NOTE 8—The coating thickness requirements of this specification are
6.1 Appearance:
minimum requirements; that is, the coating thickness is required to equal
6.1.1 The coating on the significant surfaces of the product
or exceed the specified thickness everywhere on any significant surface
shall be smooth and free of visual defects such as blisters, pits,
(see 4.1). Variation in the coating thickness from point to point on a coated
roughness, cracks, flaking, burned deposits, and uncoated article is an inherent characteristic of the electroplating process. There-
fore, the coating thickness will have to exceed the specified value at some
areas. Visual defects are defined as those visible, unmagnified,
points on the significant surfaces to ensure that the thi
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