September 2017 Archives

This standard defines the types of plating applied on copper and copper alloy substrates for decorative and anti-corrosion purposes, as well as the plating thickness of the significant surfaces and the corrosion-resistance properties.(The corrosion resistance properties are described in another section.)

[Table] Nickel and chrome plating on copper and copper alloy substrates

Cr mc: Microgram of microcracked chromium plating surface

This is a type of chrome plating containing evenly distributed micro-cracks, which are designed to distribute corrosion current and improve the anti-corrosion properties. This type of deposit can be formed by applying chromium plating over a special type of nickel plating on a nickel-plated substrate, or the same cracks can be generated over a thick layer of chromium plating.

Cr mp: Microgram of microporous chromium plating surface

This is a type of chrome plating containing evenly distributed tiny pores in its surface. The pores are designed to distribute corrosion current and improve the anti-corrosion properties. This type of deposit can be formed by applying chromium plating over nickel coating containing non-conductive fine particles, or by directly applying chromium coating containing non-conductive fine particles.

This standard defines the types of plating applied on steel substrates for decorative and anti-corrosion purposes, as well as the plating thickness of the significant surfaces and the corrosion-resistance properties. (The corrosion resistance properties are described in another section.)

[Table] Copper, nickel, and chrome plating applied on steel substrates

* The plating thickness of copper, nickel, and duplex nickel plating will be determined and agreed between the parties concerned.

According to JIS, the electroplating and electroless plating specifications must be indicated in the following classifications and orders:

(1)Note 2) Symbol for plating method

EP: Electroplating, ELP: Electroless plating

(2)Note 3) Hyphen

(3)Symbol for substrate material

Fe: Steel, Cu: Copper and Copper Alloy, Zn: Zinc Alloy, AL: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy, Mg: Magnesium Alloy, PL: Plastics, CE: Ceramics

(4)Note 4) Slash

(5)Symbol for plating material

Ni: Nickel, Cr: Chrome, Cu: Copper, Zn: Zinc, Au: Gold, Ag: Silver, Sn: Tin, Crr: Regular Chrome, ICr: Industrial Chrome

(6)Symbol for plating thickness

The unit is um (micrometer). e.g. 0.1, 5, 10, 20, 40

(7)Symbol for plating type

b: Bright plating, s: Semi-bright plating, d: Duplex plating, t: Three-layer plating, v: Fine matte plating, n: Non-smooth plating, m: Dull plating, cp: Composite plating, bk: Black plating, r: Regular plating, mp: Microporous plating, mc: Microcracked plating, cf: Crack-free plating

(8)Symbol for post-treatment

CM1: Bright chromate, CM2: Colored chromate, HB: hydrogen-removal baking, DH: Diffusion treatment, PA: Painting, CL: Coloring, AT: Anti-tarnish treatment

(9)Note 6) Colon

(10)Symbol for operating environment

A:Highly corrosive outdoor environment (e.g. coastal areas and industrial zones)
B:Normal outdoor environment (e.g. rural zones and residential areas)
C:Highly humid indoor environment (e.g. bathrooms and kitchens)
D:Normal indoor environment (e.g. inside of houses and offices)

Each plating film has a color specific to the metal or the alloy that is based on. To produce more variations of colors, metal coloring or paint application can be adopted.

(1) Chemical conversion treatment and plating

Vivid blue or red colors can be added to galvanized products directly by immersing them into a special coloring solution. One of the established methods of enhancing the metal feel of nickel or silver plating is to immerse the metal substrate into a special sulfide solution until chemical coating films are formed over it. Unique color tones can be also produced as the time of immersion increases. The color changes from pale gold -> gold -> red gold -> wine color -> blue purple -> navy blue. The scope of application has been expanding, as it is easy to process, colors are easily controlled and free from irregularities. To improve the durability, clear coating is applied at the end of the coloring process.

(2) Paint application and plating

(1) Galvanizing and black electrodeposition coating

For automotive parts and electronic device components requiring exceptional durability and black color tones, the black electrodeposition coating (film thickness is between 10 - 20 µm) is not sufficient to obtain the required durability. Therefore, the black cation electrodeposition coating must be applied after galvanizing.

(2) Decorative electrodeposition coating

Applying chromatic cation electrodeposition coating over achromatic plating films, such as nickel plating, will add colors to the plated goods.