Salt Spray Testing - Adhesion and Thickness Testing for plating

The Salt Spray Test is a standardized and popular corrosion test method used to verify corrosion resistance of materials and surface coatings. Usually, the materials to be tested are metallic and finished with a surface coating which is intended to provide a degree of corrosion protection to the underlying metal.

Specification:  ASTM B 117.

Adhesion Testing is done for plating as required in ASTM B571. Various tests such as Bend test, File test, Burnish test, Heat quench test, Peel test/ Tape test are performed to verify the adhesion of plating.

The Coating Thickness is typically measured using the following: an X-ray spectrometer, Thickness gauges, and / or Micrometer.

Salt Spray Test Properties
⦁ Verified corrosion resistance under chloride (salt fog) exposure
⦁ Coating integrity maintained (no blistering, peeling, or flaking)
⦁ No base metal corrosion (e.g., no red rust on ferrous substrates) within specified duration
⦁ Uniform, continuous protective finish performance
⦁ Resistance to coating breakdown in aggressive environments
⦁ Stable adhesion of coating after exposure
⦁ Minimal formation of corrosion products (as specified)
⦁ Durability of surface finish under prolonged humidity and saline conditions
⦁ Consistent performance per ASTM B117
⦁ Reliability of protective system for long-term service environments