Zinc Electroplating On Ferrous Materials

  1. SCOPE

1.1  This specification defines the requirements of electroplated zinc deposited directly on a ferrous substrate.  Provisions for plating thickness and neutral salt spray corrosion resistance are included.  Hot dip galvanizing, zinc spraying or the replacement of zinc with cadmium are not allowed per this specification.

1.2  This specification may involve hazardous materials, procedures and apparatus. This specification does not address the health and safety problems associated with its application or use.  It is the specification user’s responsibility to follow appropriate health or safety practices and determine the application or regulatory limitation prior to use.

  1. APPLICATION

This specification was released to define performance requirements for zinc electroplating where corrosion protection on ferrous surfaces are required.

  1. DESIGNATION

The Engineering drawing or standard shall contain the following notation for the specification of zinc electroplating.  Notion shall appear as noted below and in Figure 1.

Plate per item (X) where (X) is the item number

BAKING is required per item (X)

The baking requirement shall be noted on Engineering drawings for parts having hardness greater than 34 Rockwell C or that are severely cold worked.

In addition to the above requirements, the plating specification shall be noted above the title block as shown in Figure 1.  The part number shall be taken from Table 1.  This number shall be matched with the numbers in Table 3 and the matching name will be used in the item name block as seen in Figure 1.  The quantity shall be “0”.

86508316 (FNHA-2-H-500.25) is the Zinc Electroplating Specification used most often for hardware.

FIGURE 1

3.1  The dimensions specified on the drawing are before plating.  If the application does not allow the additional thickness of plating, the actual required limits must be specified on the drawing and noted “AFTER PLATING”.

  1. RELATED STANDARDS

ASTM B117—Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing

ASTM B183—Practice for Preparation of Low Carbon Steel for Electroplating

ASTM B201—Practice for Testing Chromate Coatings on Zinc and Cadmium Surfaces

ASTM B 242—Practice for Preparation of High Carbon Steel for Electroplating

ASTM B320—Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electroplating

ASTM B487—Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide Coating Thickness by Microscopical Examination of a Cross Section

ASTM B571—Test Methods for Adhesion of Metallic Coatings

  1. REQUIREMENTS

5.1  CLASSIFICATION

This specification provides a selection from four (4) zinc electroplating thickness with a combination of three (3) passivating treatments.  Also, this specification makes a provision for a wax coating to be applied to improve the frictional characteristics of the plated surface.

5.2  DESCRIPTION

5.2.1      Specifications 86508307 through 86508310 (FNHA-2-H500.00 through .09):  These specifications will consist of a zinc electroplate without a passivation treatment.  This electroplating appearance is bright silvery and will exhibit the least corrosion resistance.  This process is also the least expensive.

5.2.2      Specifications 86508311 through 86508314 (FNHA-2-H500.10 through .19):  These specifications will consist of a zinc electroplate and a passivation treatment by a clear or a colored chromate treatment

leached clear.  The appearance is a bright silvery or light blue hue.  The corrosion resistance is considered to be intermediate.

5.2.3      Specifications 86508315 through 86508322 (FNHA-2-H500.20 through .39):  These specifications will consist of a zinc electroplate and a passivation treatment by a chromate coating.  The 86508315 through 86508318 (FNHA-2-H500.21 through .29) appearance is yellow to brown including olive drab. The corrosion resistance is considered to be the greatest.  86508319 through 86508322 (FNHA-2-H500.31 through .39) appearance is black.  This black coloring of the chromate tends to reduce this coating’s resistance to corrosion.

5.2.4      Specifications 86508323 through 86508338 (FNHA-2-H500.50 through .99):  These specifications will consist of the same as above mentioned specification categories with the addition of a wax finish to alter the surface coefficient of friction.

5.3  SURFACE PREPARATION

Prior to electroplating, the parts shall be thoroughly cleaned and free from rust, scale, oil or any other foreign matter which would be detrimental to the finish or adhesion of the plating.  Particular care should be taken in the cleaning operation to prevent hydrogen embrittlement of parts exposed to high stress in service, prior heat treatment or cold working.  It is recommended that the appropriate practices be used:  ASTM B183, ASTM B242, ASTM B320.

5.4  ELECTROPLATING THICKNESS

5.4.1      Component Parts

The electroplating thickness shall be not less than the thickness specified in Table 1 for the specific classes.  This coating thickness shall be applied only to significant surfaces.  Other non-significant surfaces shall have a minimum of the next lowest class thickness with respect to the selected class.  When Class 3 thickness is selected, the non-significant surfaces shall have a minimum of 1/2 the minimum thickness.

5.4.2      Definition

Significant Surface:  Surface which is visible, susceptible to corrosion, and on which electroplating is a necessary function, unless otherwise specified on Engineering drawings or standards.  In general, the portion of the visible surface on the part which can be touched by a 20 mm (0.75 inch) diameter sphere.  Sharp edges are excluded.

5.4.3      Maximum Electroplating Thickness for Threads on Fasteners

The maximum allowable thickness of zinc electroplating applied to the threaded surface is described on Table 2.  The location of this thickness shall be measured at 1 diameter from the threaded end of the fastener and at 1/2 the tooth height of the thread.  This maximum thickness may be altered if the manufacturer of the threaded fastener takes into account the changes in pitch diameter due to the electroplating and can assure there is an allowance maintained within standard threaded manufacturing practice after electroplating.  This shall be negotiated with Purchasing Plant and Materials Engineering activity prior to submittal of samples.  Internal threaded component parts having a hole depth greater than 6mm (0.25 inches) need not meet the requirements on the threaded portion unless otherwise specified on the Engineering drawing or standard.  When the fasteners are assembled, both the external and internal threaded component must run freely in its intended use.

5.5  CORROSION RESISTANCE

For all classes, the zinc electroplating on all significant surfaces except for sharp edges shall be capable of withstanding the neutral salt spray testing for the minimum number of hours specified in Table 1.

5.6  ADHESION

For all classes, the zinc electroplating shall be sufficiently adherent to the substrate to pass the selected adhesion tests described in the methods of testing.

5.7  HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT

Baking Process 86512106

All steel casting parts having a hardness above 34 Rockwell C or 313 Brinell hardness plus all parts highly stressed in service and all parts severely cold worked and subsequently plated can become embrittled due to the absorption of hydrogen.  These parts shall be baked to relieve this condition immediately after plating, unless otherwise specified on the Engineering drawing or standard.  The baking process shall consist of heating the parts in an oven to 175°C (350°F) for at least 4 hours at temperature.  For hardened parts where tempering temperature is below 175°C (350°F), the baking shall be done at 150°C (300°F) for at least 8 hours at temperature.  The baking operation shall be done prior to any supplementary treatment.  Engineering shall note “Baking is required” on their drawings when their parts have a hardness greater than 34 Rockwell C or when their material has been severely cold worked.

5.8  QUALITY

The zinc electroplating shall be fine grained, smooth, adherent, and free from pits, nodules, blisters, indications of burning, and other defects.  All detailing of workmanship shall conform to the best practice for high quality plating.

  1. METHODS OF TEST

6.1  ELECTROPLATING THICKNESS

The minimum values for electroplating thicknesses are listed in Table 1.  The maximum values for electroplating thicknesses for the threaded areas of fasteners are listed in Table 2.  In cases of disputes, the plating thickness measurements shall be metallographic sectioning as per ASTM B487.

6.2  ACCELERATED CORROSION RESISTANCE (NEUTRAL SALT SPRAY)

The neutral salt spray test will be performed per ASTM B117.  The minimum time requirements for the occurrence of corrosion product will be dictated in Table 1 for specific class selections.  The evaluation shall be performed on only significant surfaces unless otherwise specified on the Engineering drawing or standard.  The plating shall show no corrosion product (white or red) visible to the unaided eye at normal reading distance for the minimum specified times.

6.3  PASSIVATION TREATMENT

The determination of the presence of clear chromate coatings shall be done according to ASTM B201.  The determination of the presence of color chromate coatings will be performed by visual observations.

6.4  ELECTROPLATING ADHESION

The adhesion of the electroplating must conform to the requirements of the test methods per ASTM B571 unless otherwise stated on the Engineering drawings or standard.

  1. Grind-Saw Test

No peeling or lifting of the subject electroplating from the substrate is permitted following the grind-saw test.

2. Burnishing Test

No peeling, lifting, or blistering of the subject electroplating from the substrate is permitted following the burnishing test.

6.5  HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT TEST

6.5.1      Component Parts

Component parts which meet the requirements of being embrittled shall be tested.  A random selection of at least 6 samples will be made and subjected to a load corresponding to its intended usage load or a minimum of 85% of its yield strength.  This load shall be maintained for a minimum of 48 hours.  Fracture of test parts is not acceptable.

6.5.2      Threaded Fasteners

Threaded fasteners which meet the requirements of being embrittled shall be tested.  A random selection of at least 6 fasteners shall be subjected to a load of 85% of the minimum torque to fail the bolt by yielding.  The test fixture shall consist of a plate with a hole for the fastener which has a one millimeter step to load one side of the head of the fastener.  (See Figure 2.)  The assembly shall be in the tightened condition for a period of at least 48 hours.  Fracture of fastener is not acceptable.

The minimum torque to fail the bolt by yielding shall be the minimum torque value from tests performed on at least 3 fasteners.

FIGURE. 2:  Hydrogen Embrittlement Test Fixture

  1. SUPPLIER RESPONSIBILITY

7.1  Suppliers shall perform the necessary tests for sample approval for initial lots. After this approval suppliers are not required to perform the specific tests, but to ascertain that their product will conform to the specification limits. These specified requirements will be used to reconcile any disputed values.

7.2  All materials supplied to this specification shall be equivalent in all characteristics to the material upon which approval was originally granted.  Prior to the making of any changes in the properties, composition, construction, color, dimensions, processing or labeling of the material originally approved under this specification, the supplier shall notify Purchasing and the affected Materials Engineering activity of the proposed changes and obtain the written acknowledgement of the Material Engineering activity.  Test data, test samples, and a new identification code are to be submitted with the request.

TABLE 1

ZINC ELECTROPLATED—MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, NOT WAXED
Specification

FNHA-2-H-500.

Part Number Min. Plating Thickness on Significant Surfaces Supplemental Treatment Typical Appearance Corrosion Resistance (Hrs)
    UM (Inches)     Base Metal Red Zinc Plate White
.03

.05

.08

.09

86508307

86508308

86508309

86508310

3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

NO REQUIREMENT NO REQUIREMENT 24

44

68

98

.13

.15

.18

.19

86508311

86508312

86508313

86508314

3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

PASSIVATION OR CONVERSION COATING CLEAR OR LIGHT IRID BLUE 32

54

94

120

8

8

8

8

.23

.25

.28

.29

86508315

86508316

86508317

86508318

3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

  YELLOW OR BROWN 90

110

140

170

72

72

72

72

.33

.35

.38

.39

86508319

86508320

86508321

86508322

3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

  BLACK 45

64

110

150

42

42

42

42

 

ZINC ELECTROPLATED—MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, WAXED
Specification

FNHA-2-H-500.

Part Number Min. Plating Thickness on Significant Surfaces Supplemental Treatment Typical Appearance Corrosion Resistance (Hrs)
    UM (INCHES)     Base Metal Red Zinc Plate White
.53

.55

.58

.59

86508323

86508324

86508325

86508326

 3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

NO REQUIREMENT NO REQUIREMENT

 

 

 24

44

68

98

.63

.65

.68

.69

86508327

86508328

86508329

86508330

 3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

PASSIVATION OR CONVERSION COATING CLEAR OR LIGHT IRID BLUE  32

54

94

120

 8

8

8

8

.73

.75

.78

.79

86508331

86508332

86508333

86508334

 3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

  YELLOW OR BROWN  90

110

140

170

72

72

72

72

.83

.85

.88

.89

86508335

86508336

86508337

86508338

 3 (0.0001)

5 (0.0002)

8 (0.0003)

13 (0.0005)

  BLACK  45

64

110

150

42

42

42

42

 

MATERIALS / COATINGSFNHA-2-H-500.00

STD ZINC ELECTROPLATE86508305NE

TABLE 2

MAX. ALLOWABLE ELECTROPLATED THICKNESS FOR THE THREADED AREAS OF FASTENERS
Metric Threads/Inch Maximum Thickness
  UNC UNF UM (INCHES)
    48-44 4 (0.00015)
M2-M4 32 40-32 5 (0.0002)
M5-M8 24-20 28-24 6(0.00025)
M10-M12 18-16 20 8 (0.0003)
M16 14-13 18-16 9 (0.00035)
M20 12-11   10 (0.0004)
M24 10-9 12 11 (0.00045)
M30     13 (0.0005)

 

TABLE 3

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
86508307 ZN 3 STD 86508305
86508308 ZN 5 STD 86508305
86508309 ZN 8 STD 86508305
86508310 ZN 13 STD 86508305
86508311 ZN CCR 3 STD 86508305
86508312 ZN CCR 5 STD 86508305
86508313 ZN CCR 8 STD 86508305
86508314 ZN CCR 13 STD 86508305
86508315 ZN YCR 3 STD 86508305
86508316 ZN YCR 5 STD 86508305
86508317 ZN YCR 8 STD 86508305
86508318 ZN YCR 13 STD 86508305
86508319 ZN BCR 3 STD 86508305
86508320 ZN BCR 5 STD 86508305
86508321 ZN BCR 8 STD 86508305
86508322 ZN BCR 13 STD 86508305
86508323 ZN 3 W STD 86508305
86508324 ZN 5 W STD 86508305
86508325 ZN 8 W STD 86508305
86508326 ZN 13 W STD 86508305
86508327 ZN CCR 3 W STD 86508305
86508328 ZN CCR 5 W STD 86508305
86508329 ZN CCR 8 W STD 86508305
86508330 ZN CCR 13 W STD 86508305
86508331 ZN YCR 3 W STD 86508305
86508332 ZN YCR 5 W STD 86508305
86508333 ZN YCR 8 W STD 86508305
86508334 ZN YCR 13 W STD 86508305
86508335 ZN BCR 3 W STD 86508305
86508336 ZN BCR 5 W STD 86508305
86508337 ZN BCR 8 W STD 86508305
86508338 ZN BCR 13 W STD 86508305
86512106 BAKE PER STD 86508305