ASTM B558-79(2019)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Preparation of Nickel Alloys for Electroplating
Standard Practice for Preparation of Nickel Alloys for Electroplating
ABSTRACT
This practice serves as a guide for the preparation of nickel alloy substrates that shall undergo electroplating processes involving adherent nickel electrodeposits. Surface cleaning may be done either by degreasing (including vapor degreasing, solvent wash, emulsion cleaning, or soak cleaning), or electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The choice of cleaning procedure to use shall be decided upon by the condition of the surface. Conversely, surface activation treatment shall be performed either by anodic-cathodic sulfuric acid treatment, acid-nickel chloride treatment, or anodic etching in a low pH watts bath. The choice of activation treatment to employ shall be determined by the condition of the surface and the specific type of nickel alloy involved.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel alloys. Only those methods that are well known and generally practiced are included. Methods that have been used successfully but not on a broad scale are not included. Once nickel is applied, other metals may be electroplated on the product.
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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2019
- Technical Committee
- B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
- Drafting Committee
- B08.02 - Pre Treatment
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Referred By
ASTM B689-97(2023) - Standard Specification for Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Referred By
ASTM B488-18 - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Gold for Engineering Uses - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
Overview
ASTM B558-79(2019) is the internationally recognized standard for the preparation of nickel alloys prior to electroplating, developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines best practices for cleaning and activating nickel alloy substrates to ensure strong, adherent nickel electrodeposits during electroplating processes. By following these procedures, manufacturers achieve optimal adhesion and surface integrity, supporting reliable downstream metal finishing, improved product durability, and enhanced surface performance.
Key Topics
Surface Cleaning: Critical for removing contaminants such as grease, oil, and finishing compounds that can interfere with electroplating. Recommended cleaning methods include:
- Vapor degreasing
- Solvent washing
- Emulsion cleaning
- Soak cleaning
- Electrolytic alkaline cleaning using proprietary or formulated solutions
Activation Treatments: Surface activation is required to promote strong nickel adhesion. The standard outlines several industry-proven treatments, including:
- Anodic-cathodic sulfuric acid treatment
- Acid-nickel chloride treatment (anodic and cathodic steps)
- Anodic etching in a low-pH Watts bath
- Brief hydrofluoric acid dip
Selection Guidelines: The choice of cleaning and activation techniques depends on the condition of the nickel alloy surface and the specific alloy type. ASTM B558 includes guidance for selecting appropriate methods, referencing an appendix with treatment recommendations for common alloys such as Inconel, Monel, Invar, and Nimonic.
Safety Considerations: Users are responsible for adhering to local safety, health, and environmental regulations. Proper handling and disposal of chemicals, along with suitable personal protective equipment, are essential for compliance.
Applications
ASTM B558-79(2019) provides substantial practical value across industries where electroplated nickel coatings on nickel alloys are required, such as aerospace, electronics, automotive, and industrial equipment manufacturing. Key applications include:
- Adherent Nickel Coatings: Ensuring the nickel layer bonds strongly to the substrate, reducing defects and improving product longevity.
- Preparation for Multilayer Plating: After nickel electrodeposition, other metals can be plated, enabling multilayer coatings for specialty applications.
- Process Flexibility: The standard accommodates a variety of nickel alloys and cleaning/activation procedures, suited for both small-batch and high-volume production.
Meticulously prepared surfaces, per ASTM B558, lead to higher quality plated components, minimized rework, and increased efficiency in electroplating operations.
Related Standards
Professionals involved in metal finishing, coating, and electroplating should be aware of several related standards to complement ASTM B558:
- ASTM B254 - Practice for Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Electrolytic Nickel
- ASTM B571 - Test Methods for Adhesion of Metallic Coatings
- ASTM B849 - Guide for Preparation of Metals for Electroplating with Nickel
- ISO 4527 - Metallic coatings-Electroplated coatings of nickel for engineering purposes
Adhering to ASTM B558-79(2019) in conjunction with these standards supports robust quality management and consistent, high-performance electroplated products.
Keywords: ASTM B558, preparation of nickel alloys, electroplating, nickel electrodeposits, surface cleaning, activation treatments, metal finishing standards, nickel alloy coatings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM B558-79(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Preparation of Nickel Alloys for Electroplating". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This practice serves as a guide for the preparation of nickel alloy substrates that shall undergo electroplating processes involving adherent nickel electrodeposits. Surface cleaning may be done either by degreasing (including vapor degreasing, solvent wash, emulsion cleaning, or soak cleaning), or electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The choice of cleaning procedure to use shall be decided upon by the condition of the surface. Conversely, surface activation treatment shall be performed either by anodic-cathodic sulfuric acid treatment, acid-nickel chloride treatment, or anodic etching in a low pH watts bath. The choice of activation treatment to employ shall be determined by the condition of the surface and the specific type of nickel alloy involved. SCOPE 1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel alloys. Only those methods that are well known and generally practiced are included. Methods that have been used successfully but not on a broad scale are not included. Once nickel is applied, other metals may be electroplated on the product. 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.
ABSTRACT This practice serves as a guide for the preparation of nickel alloy substrates that shall undergo electroplating processes involving adherent nickel electrodeposits. Surface cleaning may be done either by degreasing (including vapor degreasing, solvent wash, emulsion cleaning, or soak cleaning), or electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The choice of cleaning procedure to use shall be decided upon by the condition of the surface. Conversely, surface activation treatment shall be performed either by anodic-cathodic sulfuric acid treatment, acid-nickel chloride treatment, or anodic etching in a low pH watts bath. The choice of activation treatment to employ shall be determined by the condition of the surface and the specific type of nickel alloy involved. SCOPE 1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel alloys. Only those methods that are well known and generally practiced are included. Methods that have been used successfully but not on a broad scale are not included. Once nickel is applied, other metals may be electroplated on the product. 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.
ASTM B558-79(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.150.40 - Nickel and chromium products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM B558-79(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM B558-79(2013), ASTM B984-12(2020)e1, ASTM B689-97(2023), ASTM B177/B177M-11(2021), ASTM B545-22, ASTM B766-23, ASTM B488-18, ASTM B679-98(2021), ASTM B867-95(2018), ASTM B832-93(2018). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM B558-79(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: B558 − 79 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Nickel Alloys for Electroplating
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B558; 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 on polished surfaces if a highly finished surface is required.
Too mild a treatment may result in a sacrifice of maximum
1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide for
adhesion.
producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel alloys.
Only those methods that are well known and generally prac- 3.2 Anodic-Cathodic Sulfuric Acid—A 25 mass % sulfuric
acid solution, containing 166 mL of concentrated, 93 mass %
ticed are included. Methods that have been used successfully
but not on a broad scale are not included. Once nickel is sulfuric acid (density 1.83 g/mL) diluted to 1 L is used for this
etching treatment in which the alloy is first etched anodically at
applied, other metals may be electroplated on the product.
a low-current density of 2 A/dm for 10 min and then made
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
passive at 20A/dm for 2 min and finally cathodic for 2 or 3 s
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
at 20 A/dm.(Warning—Slowly add the sulfuric acid with
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
rapid stirring to the approximate amount of water required.)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
When the initial mixture cools, dilute to exact volume. The
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
temperature of the solution should be in the range from 20 to
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
25 °C (70 to 80 °F). Chemical lead may be used for the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
electrodes. Rinsing should be used before electroplating.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—This activation is not suitable for barrel operation.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.3 Acid-Nickel Chloride Treatment— This procedure uses
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
an anodic treatment followed by a cathodic treatment in a
low-pH nickel chloride solution. The composition of the
2. Cleaning
solution is 240 g/Lof nickel chloride (NiCl ·6H O) and 31 mL
2 2
2.1 The following cleaning treatments may be used. The
of concentrated 31.45 mass % hydrochloric acid (density
choice of the procedure will be governed largely by the
1.16 g⁄mL). The normal procedure is to make the alloy anodic
condition of the surface.
for 2 min at 3 A/dm and then cathodic for 6 min at the same
2.1.1 Degreasing is used to remove the bulk of grease, oil,
current density. The temperature of the solution should be in
and finishing compounds that may be present on the surface.
the range from 20 to 25 °C. Nickel may be used for the
The cleaning may be vapor degreasing, solvent wash, emulsion
electrodes. Separate tanks are recommended for the anodic and
cleaning, or soak cleaning.
cathodic steps to avoid contamination of solution but a single
2.1.2 Electrolytic Alkaline Cleaning—Removal of final
tank may be used. Rinsing should be used before electroplating
traces of dirt, grease, and oil is accomplished best with
except where indicated in Table X1.1.
electrolytic alkaline cleaning. The solution may be either a
NOTE 2—Nickel anode materials containing greater than 0.01 % sulfur
proprietary cleaner or a formulated one.
are not recommended for use in acid nickel strike baths opera
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