Salt spray testing standards

Nextagen Analytics

3/5/20254 min read

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Salt spray testing is a standardized method used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials and surface coatings by exposing them to a controlled saline environment. This test is widely used across various industries to simulate and accelerate corrosive conditions, providing insights into how materials will perform in real-world environments.

Key International Standards for Salt Spray Testing:

  • ASTM B117: Established by ASTM International, this standard outlines the apparatus, procedure, and conditions required to create and maintain a salt spray (fog) test environment. It is one of the most widely recognized and utilized standards for neutral salt spray (NSS) testing.

  • ISO 9227: Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard specifies the apparatus, reagents, and procedures for conducting neutral salt spray (NSS), acetic acid salt spray (AASS), and copper-accelerated acetic acid salt spray (CASS) tests.

  • JIS Z 2371: This Japanese Industrial Standard specifies the methods for salt spray testing to assess the corrosion resistance of metallic materials with or without corrosion protection.

In addition to these, various countries and organizations have developed their own standards to address specific industry requirements and environmental conditions. Some of these include:

  • DIN 50021: German standard for salt spray testing, which has been superseded by ISO 9227.

  • BS EN ISO 9227: British Standard equivalent of ISO 9227, detailing methods for salt spray tests.

  • IEC 60068-2-11: International Electrotechnical Commission standard specifying tests for basic environmental testing procedures, including salt mist tests.

It's essential to select the appropriate standard based on the material, coating, and intended application to ensure accurate and relevant results. For instance, while ASTM B117 is commonly used for neutral salt spray tests, ISO 9227 provides methods for both neutral and acidified tests, offering a broader scope depending on the material's end-use environment.

For a comprehensive understanding of the specific requirements and procedures, it's advisable to consult the latest versions of these standards or seek guidance from accredited testing laboratories familiar with these protocols.

Fiat Standards:

  • 50180 Method A1: Assesses the corrosion resistance of inorganic and organic coatings on metallic substrates under a neutral salt spray at 35°C.

  • 50180 Method A3: Evaluates the corrosion resistance of inorganic chemical and electrolytic coatings on metallic parts using a copper-accelerated acetic acid salt spray (CASS) test.

BMW Standards:

  • AA-0324 [AA-P184]: Specific details about this BMW standard are not available in the provided sources.

Australian Standards:

  • AS 2331 Methods 3.1, 3.2 & 3.3: These methods pertain to neutral salt spray (NSS), acetic acid salt spray (AASS), and copper-accelerated acetic acid salt spray (CASS) tests, respectively, to assess the corrosion resistance of metallic coatings.

USA Standards:

  • ASTM B117: Provides guidelines for operating salt spray (fog) apparatus to evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials and coatings.

  • ASTM B287: Covers the acetic acid salt spray testing of iron-based metals.

  • ASTM B368: Describes the CASS test for accelerated corrosion testing of decorative coatings.

  • ASTM G43: Focuses on the CASS test for chromium plating.

  • ASTM G85 Annexes A1-A5: Detail various modified salt spray tests, including Prohesion testing.

  • ASTM G5894: Specific details about this standard are not available in the provided sources.

Great Britain Standards:

  • BS 2011 Part 2.1 Ka & Kb: Relate to basic environmental testing procedures, including salt mist tests.

  • BS 3900 Parts F4 & F12: Cover methods for assessing the resistance of paint films to corrosion.

  • BS 5466 Parts 1-3: Deal with methods for corrosion testing of metallic coatings.

  • BS 7479: Specific details about this standard are not available in the provided sources.

  • BS EN ISO 4541: Describes methods for the salt spray testing of metallic coatings.

  • BS EN ISO 7253: Specifies methods for determining the resistance of paint films to neutral salt spray.

  • BS EN 60068-2-11 & 60068-2-52: Provide guidelines for environmental testing, including salt mist tests.

  • BS EN 60512-11-6: Covers test methods for connectors, including corrosion tests.

Renault Standards:

  • DIN 50 021-SS: German standard for salt spray testing, used by Renault to assess corrosion resistance.

Great Britain Defence Standards:

  • DEF STAN 00-35 Pt3 CN2: Determines the resistance of materials to salt-laden atmospheres, including salt mist and salt corrosion tests.

  • DEF STAN 133 Method 14: Evaluates the corrosion resistance of components or equipment exposed to changing climates of salt mist followed by high humidity at elevated

  • DEF STAN 1053 Methods 24 & 36: Specific details about these standards are not available in the provided sources.

Germany Standards:

  • DIN 50 021-SS, ESS, CASS: German standards for salt spray testing, assessing corrosion resistance under different conditions.

  • VG 95 210: Specific details about this standard are not available in the provided sources.

FORD Standards:

  • FLTM BI 103-01: Ford Laboratory Test Method for evaluating the corrosion resistance of materials using salt spray testing.

General Motors Standards:

  • GM4298P: General Motors standard for salt spray testing to assess corrosion resistance.

European Standards:

  • IEC 68-2-11 & 68-2-52: International Electrotechnical Commission standards for environmental testing, including salt mist tests.

  • ISO 3768, 3769, 3770: International standards specifying methods for salt spray testing of metallic coatings.

  • ISO 7253: Specifies methods for determining the resistance of paint films to neutral salt spray.

  • ISO 9227: Defines methods for salt spray testing to assess the corrosion resistance of metallic materials with or without corrosion protection.

Japan Standards:

  • JIS H 8502 Methods 1-3: Japanese Industrial Standards for salt spray testing of metallic coatings.

  • JIS Z 2371: Specifies methods for salt spray testing to assess the corrosion resistance of metallic materials with or without corrosion protection.

JAGUAR Standards:

  • JNS 30.16.03: Specific details about this Jaguar standard are not available in the provided sources.

USA Military Standards:

  • MIL-STD-202: Establishes test methods for electronic and electrical component parts, including corrosion (salt atmosphere) tests.

  • MIL-STD-750 Method 1046: Covers test methods for semiconductor devices, including salt atmosphere testing.