SALT SPRAY TESTING, KESTERNICH TESTING AND CYCLIC CORROSION TESTING
For more than seven decades, DeKalb Metal Finishing has provided high quality metal finishing and electroplating services for many industries. As a highly experienced zinc, zinc iron, and zinc nickel electroplating applicator, we are able to meet virtually any plating specification that your project requires. This includes those that require extreme salt spray hours, cyclic corrosion testing and Kesternich testing.
We are capable of providing the following testing services for our customers under our IATF 16949 Lab scope. If ISO/IEC 17025 services are required, additional charges may apply.
SALT SPRAY TESTING
As a popular and standardize corrosion test method, the salt spray (or salt fog) test is used for checking the corrosion resistance of surface coatings that have been applied to a component. In our application, the tested materials are metals which have been given a surface finish designed to provide corrosion protection to the base metal.
This accelerated test creates a corrosive attack to a coated sample to examine, mostly by comparison, the coating’s protective finish. After a pre-designated period, the appearance of the corrosion products is evaluated for rust by oxidization. The time period involved in the testing process hinges on the level of corrosion resistance specified for the component. Generally, if the corrosion resistance of the coating is stronger, the testing period prior to the appearance of rust or corrosion will be correspondingly longer than if the corrosion resistance is weaker.
Our lab is capable of performing salt spray testing to ASTM B 117, JIS H 8502, JIS Z 2371, and ISO 9227
CYCLIC CORROSION TESTING
In recent years, cyclic corrosion testing (CCT) has advanced within the automotive industry as a means of quickly predicting corrosion failures in the real world by exposing materials to different corrosive atmospheres within a controlled laboratory setting. The test evaluates the effects of different climates which are automatically cycled so that the objects of the test are subjected to the same type of environmental changes that objects will face after installation. The purpose of the test is to simulate the type of failure that would naturally occur but is brought about in an accelerated fashion under simulated laboratory conditions. Through the application of this test, suppliers and manufacturers can more accurately project the service life expectancy of their devices, equipment and products.
Our lab is capable of performing cyclic corrosion testing to many automotive standards including GMW14872, SAE J2334, CETP: 00.00-L-467. Please inquire if you are interested in understanding our capabilities.
KESTERNICH TESTING
The Kesternich test (also called sulfur dioxide test), is one of the industry’s most strenuous tests. As specified in ISO 3231, DIN 50018, and ASTM G87, the sulfur dioxide breaks down the finish to determine if proper thickness has been deposited and if parts are adequately resistant to corrosion. The substrate is then given a rating in Kesternich cycles as a measurement of the object’s performance in meeting the objectives of the specified finish. Several of our finishes, including zinc-nickel, are capable of meeting specified performance requirements. Validation is currently performed by a third-party laboratory as this test method is not within the capabilities of our internal lab scope.
For more information about the various testing processes and other services we offer at DeKalb Metal Finishing, call us today at 260.925.1820 or send us a message through our contact form