1.1This guide describes some of the available standard methods for the detection, identification, and measurement of porosity and gross defects in electrodeposited and related metallic coatings and provides some laboratory-type evaluations and acceptances. Some applications of the test methods are tabulated in Table 1 and Table 2.

TABLE 1 Applications of Standard Porosity Tests to Metallic Coatings (Section 6)

Substrate Metal^A	Gold	Silver	Nickel	Tin-Nickel	Tin	Tin-Lead	Copper	Palladium	Chromium
Copper and Copper Alloys	6.1^B, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5	6.3A	6.4	6.4	6.4	6.4	...	6.2, 6.3A, 6.4, 6.5	...
Nickel	6.1^B, 6.2, 6.5	6.3A	...	...	...	...	...	6.2, 6.3A, 6.5	...
Iron or Steel	6.6	...	6.6	6.3B, 6.6	6.3B, 6.6	6.3B, 6.6	6.6	...	6.6
Silver	6.4	...	6.4	6.4	6.4	6.4	...	6.4	...

^A The substrate may be the basis metal, an underplate, or both (see Note 1).

^B Thickness restrictions may apply.

TABLE 2 Applications of Tests for Gross Defects and Mechanical Damage (Section 7)

Substrate Metal^A	Gold	Nickel	Tin-Nickel	Tin	Tin-Lead	Palladium	Silver
Copper and Copper Alloys	7.3, 7.5	7.3, 7.4	7.3	7.3	7.3	7.3, 7.5	7.5
Nickel	7.5	...	...	...	...	7.5	7.5
Iron or Steel	7.1	7.1	7.1	7.1	7.1	7.1	...
Aluminum	...	7.2	...	...	...	...	...

^A The substrate may be the basis metal, an underplate, or both (see Note 1).

1.2This guide does not apply to coatings that are produced by thermal spraying, ion bombardment, sputtering, and other similar techniques where the coatings are applied in the form of discrete particles impacting on the substrate.

1.3This guide does not apply to beneficial or controlled porosity, such as that present in microdiscontinuous chromium coatings.

1.4Porosity test results (including those for gross defects) occur as chemical reaction end products. Some occur in situ, others on paper, or in a gel coating. Observations are made that are consistent with the test method, the items being tested, and the requirements of the purchaser. These may be visual inspection (unaided eye) or by 10× magnification (microscope). Other methods may involve enlarged photographs or photomicrographs.

1.5The test methods are only summarized. The individual standards must be referred to for the instructions on how to perform the tests.

1.6The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7This 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.