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.

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