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183203: 1982
( Reaffirmed 1987 )
Indian Standard
METHODS FOR
TESTING LOCAL THICKNESS OF
ELECfROPLATED COATINGS
( First Revision)
Metallic Finishes Sectional Committee, SMDC 23
Cluiirma1l R,prts,nling
DR R. C . SHARMA Eveready Flashlight Company, Lucknow
Mmtblrj
SMRI K. BALAKRI8JiNAN CE'ntral Electrochemical Resf'arch Inst itute ( csm ),
Karaikudi
SHRI S. R. NATARAJAN (Allmlal,)
SHRI G . S. BtlATTACHARJEE Ministry of D efen ce ( R&D )
SHRI I. N. BHATIA (Allmaal, )
SHRI S . C. BHAWAL National Test House, C a lculla
SMRI A. K. KALRA ( Almllal, )
SHRI A. T . BORATE Premier Automobile. Ltd, 110m hay
SHRt A. G . PRABHU ( A/urnale )
SIfRI M. S. CJUXRAVORTY Premi~r Metal F inish ers (P ) Ltu, Calcutta
SHRI R. K. CHATTERJEJI ( AllerMt, )
SHRI KANTILAL T . DALAL Kohinoor Electro-Gilders, Bombay
SHRI jAYENDRA K . DALAL ( AI/lrna/, )
DR R. P . DUIBAL Indian Telephone Inclmtries Ltd, Dangalorc
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (MET-"), Ministry of Railways
RDSO, LuoKNow
CHD(I&T & METALLUROIST,
rCF, MADRA8 ( AI/mull, )
SHRI G . T. DF.8HMUKH Perfect Industries, Pune
SHRI G . S. EKBOTJ: ( Altn1l41, )
SHRI S. E. EMANUAL Hindu.tan Aeronautics Lid, Jlangalore
SHRI S. N. GAlfA Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department, Calcutta
SalH P. B. Sy AM ( Altml4l, )
SHRI S. S. GUHA Ministry of Defence ( DGI )
SHRI P. K . SI:}( ( AltnMl' )
SaRI K. HIRALAL NGEF Ltd, Bangalore
SHIll A8WATHANARAYANA ( Altlr1l4/~)
SHRI V. S. KULJ[ARNl Grauer and Wei I ( India) Ltd, Bombay
SaRI SUIHIL GOJNJ[A ( AII"nal, )
( Con/i'l/ltd on fJ'I~' 2)
IC> Cepyri,ltl 1983
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANIJARIJS
This publication I, protected under the l,m." Cepyr~AI Ad ( XIV of 1957 ) .I'd
reproduction in whole or in part by any me.nl except with written permiuion of the.
publilher thall be deemed to be aD infr'lIl,ement of copyright under the said Act
IS, 3203· 1982

( (Anlinu,d from /XlI' I
,\,lImbers R,ft'esenling
SHillM. A. KA·l'JHHM4K.\n Canning Mitra PhoeniK Ltd, Bombay
Dlt R. G . JAOHW ( A/lernal,)
DR S. KRHWNAMURTHY In personal capacity (Shubluxlaya, 38 Xl Main Road,
Malieswaram, Bangolore )
DR S. K. N \it,J(o National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIH. l.
Jam,hedpur
Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Ltd.
Jamshedpur
SUBI H.. SEN' Hindustan Cables Ltd, Rupnarainpur (Disl
Burdwan)
SKIH K\I.Y .\S GHOSH ( AI/ernall )
SlInl R. A. SH .'11 Ronuk Industries Ltd, Bombay
K1JIIlA RI \{ltJl)ULA A. SH' H ( AII"nal,)
SHIt! R. SnMAIH:KH .• R .\ Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore
SIIRI K. N .WF.SH ( Altlrnall )
SIIRI V. TIIIYAUARAJAN Development Commissioner (Sm,lll Indmtries
Services Institute ), New Delhi
SHRI R_ VI':N'K 'TAnHIAN T.1. C\'c1cs of India. Madras
SHItJ C. R. RAM., RAO, Director General, lSI ( Ex-officio M.m~' )
Director ( Stru<: & Met)
Seerl/a,y
SHill S. K. GUPTA
A .. istant Director ( Met ), lSI
18 I 3203 - 1982
Indian Standard
METHODS FOR
TESTING LOCAL THICKNESS OF
ELECTROPLATED COATINGS
( First Revision)
O. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( First Revision ) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 22 October 1982, after the draft finalized by the
Metallic Finishes Sectional Committee had been approved by the
Structural and Metals Division Council. .
0.2 One of the important requirements specified in Indian Standards on
electroplating is the thickness of a coating. This standard has been
prepared with a view to prescribing suitable methods for determination
of local thickness of the electro-deposit. Microscopic method has been
recommended in this standard as a referee method, which shalI be used
in case of dispute. Besides, magnetic method and BNF jet test have been
included for routine and control purposes. Several instruments based on
the principle of eddy current, thermoelectricity and coulometry are in
common use. Any of these instruments may be employed by agreement
between the supplier and the purthaser.
0.3 This standard was earlier published in 1963. In this revision, a
correction factor for the determination of coating thidmt'sl for bright
nickel coating has been recommended in 5.3.2. The graph given at
Fig. 6 has also been extrapolated up to 40°C to aid correct 'f 'xamination
of silver coating at higher temperatures. The eddy current method given
in Appendix A has been deleted and instead reference is made to
IS: 6012·1971-.
0.4 In reporting the result of a test or analysis made in accordance with
this standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
off, it shall be done in accordance with IS : 2·1960t.
*Method for meaaurement of coaling Ihickneu by eddy current.

tRuln for rounding off' numf'rical values ( rmsld) .
IS a 3203 - 1982
1. SCOPE
1.1 Th~ methods prescribed in this standard covers procedures for
~easuflng local thicknesa of electroplated coatings of copper, brass, nickel
~lckel.chromium, hard chromium, lead, zinc, cadmium, silver, gold and
ttn.
2. QUALITY OF REAGENTS
2.1 Unless otherwise ape(;lfied, AR quality chemicals shall be employed
in the test and distilled water ( 1':' IS : 1070·1977· ) shall be used when
the use of water as a reagent is intended.
3. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY MICROSCOPIC
( REFEREE METHOD)
3.1 Pr.... r.tloD of SectioD for Te.t - Cut a section of the specimen
at one or more points 0 f the significant surface where a minimum thick·
ness may be expected.
:"JOTIt: - It i. advisable to determine thicknest on large or irregularly shaped parts
al several points.
3.2 MouDdD, of Specim... - Hold one or more telt specimens in a
clamp. On soft coatings, such as lead, use the minimum pressure which
will ensure continuous contact without causing extrusion of the coating.
Mount the specimens in a plastic material, such as a phenolic or acrylate
resin, or if the melting point of the coating permits, mount them in a low
melting alloy. In mounting care should be taken that voids do not form
between the specimen and the mounting material. Hold the specimen
rigidly and in such a position that the surface to be tested is perpendi·
cular to the flat face that is to be ground and polished. (A deviation of
10 deg from normal introduces an error of about 2 percent in thickness ).
The pieces may be plated first with a relatively thick coating of copper to
protect the edges during grinding and polishing. On zinc or cadmium,
deposit the first layer of copper from a cyanide solution, after which, if
desired, an acid copper solution may be used.
3.3 Pre...r.tloD of S.CdOD - Grind and polish the section to be
examined, using succesaively finer abrasives, the last being no coarser
than 500 mesh. In polishing chromium coatings continue the first
~olishing operation until all chromium which cracked or flaked during
the initial cutting operation has been removed and a true sec.tion appears
unier the microscope. Polish zinc, cadmium, and lead coatings with
minimum pressure, in the direction from the hard basis metal to the soft
coating, and alternately at 45 deg and 135 deg to the plated surface. In
polishing lead coating., run the last polishing wheels at low speed not
exceeding 250 rpm.
·Specification for water for general laboratory use ( second rtvisiors ).

4
18 I 3203 - 1982
3.3.1 Then treat the surface in such a manner as to obtain the

maximum contrast between the coating and the adjacent metal. Obtain
uch contrast by etching either the coating or the adjacent metal by an
tppropriate reagent ( see Note). Suitable etching is desirable even when
he contrast exists, since it wili remove any soft metal that may have
pread over a harder metal.
NOTIil - The following ty"pical reagent. are suitable for etohing plated coating':
a) For nicktl or chromium on skti
Reag('ntl to etch steel:
Conc('ntrated nitric acid, r.d . 1'42 5 volumes
( conforming to IS: 26+-1976* )
Alcohol ( 95 percent) 95 volumes
b) For nickel over coppu and copper alloys includi"g cOPPM urtdncoalil'l,s 01'1 s'ttl, .tin, al'ld zinc
baSI alloys
Reagents to etch copper:
Ammonium hydroxide ( 20 percent) 1 volume
Hydrogen peroxide ( 3 percent ) I volume
c) For zine or cadmium coatings 0" steel and for "ickel coalings direelly on .tine and tiNe bas.
alloys
Reagents to etch zinc or cadmium:
Chromic acid ( CrO. ) 200 g/l
Sodium sulphate ( Na.SO, ) 15 g/l
<.\) For Itad on sleel, includiftg copper flash.d SItel
Reagents to etch steel:

Ferric chloride ( FeCl,6H.O ) 10 g
Concentrated hydrochloric acid, r.d . 1' 16 2ml
( conforming to IS : 265-1976t )
Water 95 ml
e) For gold and silt,. , on copPl'
Sodium or potalium cyanide solution I volume
( 10 percent)
Ammonium persulphate solution t volume
( 10 percent )
C) For Ii" aM lin "alloy coatings l1li &OPPl' and copptr alloys
Ammonium penulphate 10 g
Ammonia solution ( r.d. 0·9 ) 2mt
Distilled water 90ml
( to be hahly prepared )
.Specificatlon Cor nitric acid ( s","" rlVi.sion ).

tSpecification Cor hydroc~orlc acid ( ucand "vision ).
5
IS I 3203 • 1982
3.4 Procecbare - Measure the thickness of the coating at any desired
point on the exposed section by either of the methods described in 3.4.1
and 3.4.2.
,... 1 Measure the thickness with a filar micrometer ocular that has
been calibrated in order to determine the value of the unit scale division
against a scale graduated so accurately that the error will not exceed 2
percent. For example, the scale may be graduated to 0'01 mm.
3.4.2 Project the image of the specimen, especially of those specimens
having very thin coatings, at a known and properly calibrated magnifi-
cation of the ground- glass focusing plane of the camera ofmetallographic
microscope. Measure the width of the projected line of deposit with a
graduated linear scale; the reading divided by the magnification gives
the thickness of the coating.
4. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY MAGNETIC

METHOD
4.1 Prladple of the Test - Magnetic method involves instruments
which measure either the attractive force between a magnet and the coated
specimen or the reluctance of a flux path through the coating and the
basis metal. Either the attractive force or the reluctance as measured is
a function of the thickness of the coatings. These methods may be useod
to measure the thickness of non-magnetic or niCkel coatings on a magnetic
basis metal, such as steel, or thickness of magnetic coatings on a non-
magnetic basis metal, and the thickness of nickel and copper in a com-
posite nickel-over-copper coatings on steel.
4.2 Apparatus - Any commercially available instrument may be used
for measurement. The follOWing three systems are in use employing the
following types of apparatu~:
a) P'rmaMnt MagMt - A permanent magnet suspended from a
spring balance by which the attractive force i. measured. At
present this type is the only one suitable for measuring nickel
coatings and composite nickel-over-copper coatings on steel;
b) MOllfahl, Iron Core - A moveable iron core within a glass tube
and a solenoid around the tube which is gradually moved away
from the core disengages from the surface being tested; and
c) A Pm of Magrutic Poles - A pair of magnetic pole pieces with
meana for measurement of the reluctance of the flux path.
4.3 CalibratioD - Each in.trument, including the magnet to be u.ed,
shall be calibrated against coating of known thickness before use and the
calibration should be checked at frequent intervals.
6
IS 13203 - 1982
4.4 Mea.ur~meDt - After standardization of the apparatus, the probe
of the magnet shall be placed over the l'lectroplated coating and the
thickness of the coating directly recorded from the instrurrent.
4.5 Accuracy - This method is suitable for measurement of thickness
on plain surfaces. Curved SUI faces may also be measured provided the
radIus of curvature is at least three times the diameter of the magnet.
Where the basis metal is very thin ( less than 0'25 mm ), it is essential to
back it up by an extra piece of similar basis metal 80 that the necessary
attractive force is developed. Unc'er optimum conditions, the errors
involved in this method are normally within ± 10 percent.
4.6 Facton AS'ectiDI AppUcability aDd Accuracy of Mea.ure-
ment - The following conditions may affect the result obtained by a
given instrument:
a) Smoothness of the surface, including' that of the basis metal;
b) Thickness of the ma gnetic basis metal;
c) Magnetic properties of the basis metal, including permeability,
retentivity, and residual magnetism ;
d) Magnetic properties of the coating ( m I'\ote I );
e) Stickiness of the coating ( see Note 2 );
f) Curvature of the article at the point being tested in relation to the
size, shape and Itrength of the magnetic pole;
g) Distance between the point being tested and an edge of the
article;
h) Thickness of any magnetic coating on the side of a thin basis
metal opposite to that being tested;
j) Deviation of the magnet axis from · a line perpendicular to the
surface at the point of measurement; and
k) Grain orientation in the steel basis metal.
NOTE I - Nickel coating!, especially bright nickel coating! vary greatly in
magnetic properties, requiring frequent standardization or ~uitable annealing.
NOTE 2 - Lead coatings stick easily to the magnet p ole and require treatment with
a very light film of mineral oil to ensure reproducibility of reading~.
5. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS RY RNF JET TEST

METHOD
5.1 Prlnc:lple of the Tnt - A jet of a comtantly replacing corroding
solution is allowed to impinge on a small area of the tHt surface to be
tested, and the time required to penetrate the plating layer is measured.
This time is a function of thickness of plating layer and the temperature.
The thickness may then be obtained from a suitably calibrated curve in
which the time is plotted against the temperature for given thicknels.
7
18 I 3203 • 1M2
5.2 Apparatu. - The apparatus ( see Fig. 1 ) shall have the following
features:
a) Constant Head Device ( A ) - Glass tube to maintain constant head
of the solution.
b) Separatory Funnel ( B )
c) On-Off Stopcock ( C )
d) NO<.z..le ( D ) - enclosed in glass guard tube and connected to the
funnel by rubber tubing, A nozzle consisting essentially of a glass
capillary tube of 1'5 mm hore and not le~s than 100 mm in
length, drawn out into a smooth taper at the nozzle end shall be
used to deliver the solution in a jet form. The dimensions of the
tapered portion should be such that:
D-d
-L- shall be between 0'030 and 0' 045 mm.
where
D .. internal diameter of the capillary tube,
d ... internal diameter of the tip of the nozzle, and
L = length of the taper.
The jet should deliver 10 ml of water at 27 ± 2°C in 27 to
29 seconds under a constant head of 250 mm.
e) Sliding Clamp ( E )
f) Clamp for Test Specimen ( F)
g) Dish to Receive Used Solution ( G )
h) Base with Levelling Screws ( H )
5.3 ReageDt.
5.3.1 Reagentfor Copper and Nickel Coating
5.3.1.1 The reagent shall be of the following composition:
Anhydrous ferric chloride ( FeCIs, 6H 20 ) 300 g
Copper sulphate 100 g
Water To make up
to one litre
5.3.1.2 Concentrated hydrochloric acid - r.d. 1'16 (conforming to
IS : 265-1976- ).
·Specification for hydrochloric acid ( slC01IIl misioll),
8
IS I 3203 • 1M2
G~\b~i~H
-- - - -- -"'='--:..J
.£T ANJ GUARD neE
Flo. I ApPARATUS FOR BNF JET TES1
5.3.'2 For Bright Nickel Coating

5.3.'2.1 For the determination of coating thi(,kness of bright nickel
d~posits, a correction factor shall be required. This factor rr ay be
obtained from the supplier of the brightner or computed by the user
himself.
5.3.3 Reagent jtJr Lead Coating
5.3.3.1 The reagent shall be of the following composition:
Acetic acid ( glacial) I volume
Hydrogen peroxide ( 20 v ) 1 volume
Water To make up to
3 volumes
NOTE - The solution .hould be fre5hly prepared and standardized before mew
that 2'5 ml of the reagent cODlUm.,. \4'95 ml ofpotaaium permanganate (0' 1 N ).
9
IS I 3203 ·1982
5.3.3.2 Concentrated h) droch/oric acid - See 5.3.1.2.
5.3.4 Reagent for Zinc Coating - The reagent shall be of the followinB
composition~
Ammonium nitrate 70 g
One normal hydrochloric acid 70 ml
Water To make up to
one litre
5.3.5 Reagent for Cadmium Coaling - The reagent shall be of the following
composition:
Ammonium nitrate )7'5 g
One normal hydrochloric acid 17'5 ml
Water To make up to
one litre
5.3.6 Reagen/for Silver Coating - The rea:;ent used in the test shall have
the following composition.
Potassium iodi('e 250 g
Resublimed iorline 7'5 g
Water To make up
to one litre
NOTE - Standardize the solution hy titrating with standard sodium thiosulphate

solution ( 0'1 N ) to cont~jn exact! y 7·44.g of iodin e per litre.
5.3.7 Reagent for Tin Coating - Take 120 g of trichloracetic acid and
dilute it to one litre with water. Adjust its strength in such a way that
25 ml require 30'6 ml of sodium hydroxide solution ( 0'5 N ) when
titrated using thymol blue as indicator.
5.4 Preparation of the Apparatus
5.4.1 Adjust the levelling Screws of the apparatus to prevent rocking.

Fill about three-quarters of the funnel with the reagent solution. Open
the tap of the funnel so that the tube and jet are completely filled with
the solution. It is necessary to hold the finger over the jet and, pinch
the rubber connecting tube several times to displace the air bubles.
5.4.2 Insert tightLy the rubber stopper containing the constant head
device and thermometer so that the bottom end of the former ( that is,
where the bubbles emerge) is 250 mm above the jet, and draw off the
solutipn until air bubbles pass through regularly. Remove any superfluous
solution from the guard tube by means of filter paper.
10
lSI 3203 - 1982

~.5 Preparation of Surface of Testing
5.5.1 Degrease the test piece by rubbing with a damp cloth , on whi ch
light magnesium oxide has been sprinkled. Rinse with acetone and dry
in air. Abrasives shall not be used.
5.5.2 In case of testing nickel deposit, dip the article in a mixture o f
equal volumes of concentrated hydrochloric acid ( see 5.3.1.2 ) and water,
to remove t!Ie slightly protective film on the surface of nickel.
5.5.3 In case of p ~ ssivated zinc coating , immerse the art icle for a few
seconds in 5 perce nt a cetic acid solution , rinse with water , sc ou~ with a
little magnesium oxide on wet cotton wool, finally rinse with water and
dry with a grease · fr ee cloth or absorbent paper.
5.5.4 In case of tin plating, degrease the sample with trichlorethyl ene ,
and then treat cathodically at 6 volts for 15 seconds in a cold 5 percent
solution of sodium carbonate.
5.5.5 In case of lead platin g, samples to be tested sh ould preferably be
freshly plated or kept in desiccator.
5.6 Procedure
5.6.1 Clamp the degreased specimen so that the surface under test is at
an angle or about 45 0 to the horizontal and about 6' 5 mm below the tip
of the jet. This means that most of the specimen will jllst tou ch the
lower part of the guard tube enclosing the n ozzle. Th e ~ p e cimen is so
clamped that there is no relative mnvement between th e nozzle and
specimen, and there is a free fall of the solutIOn into the di sh below.
5.6:2 Open the stopcock and also start a stop-wat ch ~illltlltaneousJy.
After 5 to 10 geconds, stop both and examine the sample for penetration.
Repeat the process without moving the specimen until th e first sign of
penetration is seen immediately below the nozzle.
5.6.3 Calculation - Find out from the graph the time required to
penetrate 0'002 5 mm of deposit at the particular temperat ure of te ~ ting .
The thickness ( T ) in mm of the coating may then be ca lc ula ted from
the following formula:
T cs BA X 0'002 5
where
A = time in seconds to penet rate deposit under tcst, and
B :0: time in second s to penetrate 0'002 5 Innl ( a s obtained
from the relevant figures , Jee Fig. 2 to 7 ).
11
IS I 3203 • 1982
,
1\
\. c-
\.
"-
"'
,
"' ,~
...... ~
i c:
~
i ~
I
1. 1'0 "- ........
" I'.
... •.,
" ~,....,.,c
........
...... "
..... ,
..... r--.,
r--- ....
;';""1-
10 n 10
f.-aA,. •• \
Flo. 2 TDd REQUIRED TO PJtN£TRATIt 0'002 5 mm OF COPPER

AND NlcxltL AT DIFFER.NT TUIPERATU'RES
12
IS, 3203 - ISS2
.- .
3·2
" , .....
.......
.. .
" .......
r---.... I"'--..
2·2
-- i"'-
2·0 -- ." . -::'. ~7"" .,
13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Temperature in 'C
Fif). 3 TI~E. REQ.UIRED TO PENETRATE 0'002 5 mm OF LEAD AT

DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
13
IS I 3203 • 1982
10
•
•
..~ .7
~ .......
f"""o. ~
..,~
!
III
2
;: a
1
4
l
""~ ~
- ~~
-
s 10 .. ao lS )0 40
Temperature in ·C
FlO. 4 TIME REQUIRED TO PENETRATE 0·0025 mm OF ZINC AT
II
~
"'"
"" ......
r--...
:--.....
....... .......
..........
"""'-.I
, -. .....
J 10
I' 20 U .0 II 40 4'
FlO. 5 TIME REQUIRED TO PENETRATE 0·002 5 mm OF CADMIUM AT
14
IS t 3203·1982
7·5 \
7
\ 1\
\ ~
\
U) 6 ~
o
z
ou
~ 5·5
\
w
z
\
!
to- 5
\
\,
"
4
"" ~
3·5
14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
TEMPERATURE I~ °c
"
..
FlO. 6 TOlE REQ.UlIlED TO PvaTIlATE 0'002 5 mm OP SILvall AT
DIFFBUNT TBMPEIlATUREI
15
tS I 3203· 1982
1,.._ _ _1"""
fo ~---+--t---
~ S I----+-~ -+-----+--~
§
'"!
w .~----+-
:t
;::
I~ 20 :a 30 lS
Temperature in ·C
FIG. 7 TIME REQUIRED TO PENETRATE 0'0025 mm OF TIN AT
5.6.3.1 The end point is indicated by the contrast in appearance

between the exposed spot of basis metal and the coating. The appearance
of the spot after test is useful criterion of its accuracy. It should be very
small single spot and preferably crescent-shaped. Tests giving double
spot or diffused area of perforation should be rejected.
5.6.4 Indication in Cast of Penttration of Copper and Nickel
5.6.4.1 Penetration of the copper coatings shall be indicated by the
following signs:
Basis Metal Mark
a) Aluminium and zinc base alloys Black spot
b) ~ickel White spot
c) Steel Copper spot ( see l':ole )
;\O'fE -- The copper spot is not readily detectable as it is of the same colour as the
surrounding lurface. To help diJlin&uuh, put 2 drops of either of the following
solutions:
1) One gram of antimony trioxide added to 100 ml of concentrated hydrochloric
acid ( Jtt 5.3.1.2), and
2) Chromillm stripping so/ulwn - Diuolve 20 g of ant imony trioxide ( Sb,O,) in onl'
litre of conet ntratea hydrochloric acid ( stt 5.3.1.2 ).
16
IS I 320' ~ 1982
5.6. ••2 Penetration of nickel coatings shall be indicated by the
following signa:
Basis Metal Mark
a) Steel Copper spot ( lei Note )
b) Copper Copper spot which shows up
at once
c) Brass Brownish yellow spot
d) Aluminium Central black spot with a halo
of copper
e) Zinc base alloys Black spot similar to that of
aluminium
Non - Thil cop,per spot is not formed until the flow is'stopped for a fewaeconda.
Owing to the IOlubtiity of metallic copper in the exctaa of the IOlution, a luminary
copper coloured blush may form due to pore., but a definite central perforation point
should be obtained.
5.6.5 Indication of End Point in Case of Cadmium Plating - The end point
is indicated by the contrast in appearance between the exposed spot of
basis metal and the coating. With plain cadmium coatings on steel, it
has occasionally been found difficult to direct appearance of the steel
when the coating is perforated. It has been helpful in such cases to
apply one or two drops of special indicator solution to the teat spot.
5.6.5.1 The following is the composition of special indicator
solution:
Mercuric chloride 10 g
Concentrated hydrochloric acid 50 ml
( Sel 5.'.1.2 )
Water To make up
to 100 ml
5.6.5.2 The effect of indicator solution at per foration· will be bright
mercury spot on exposed steel and black on cadmium.
5.6.6 It is important that any further thickness testing should be
carried out on a portion of the surface not wetted by the indicator
solution as a film fa produced on cadmium which protects it from the jet
reagents.
5.6.7 Deposits produced from bath containing additional reagents
tend to give a blackening in' the te.t and it may be necessary to wipe
off the black mater,i.al with a Ipill of pB per in order to see the perfora-
tion.
17
IS , 3203 • 1982
6. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS OF CHROMIUM BY
STRIPPING METHOD
0.1 Reagent: Chromium Stripping Solution - Dissolve 20 g of
antimony trioxide ( Sb20 a ) in one litre of concentrated hydrochloric acid
( su 5.3.1.2 ).
6.2 Preparation of Surface for Testing - Rub the test piece with it
mild abrasive. Degrease it by tubbing with a damp doth sprinkled
over with fine' pumice powder, magnesium oxide, or acetone. Dry it in
air.
6.3 Method of Testing - Immerse the degreased specimen or the
surface to he tested in chr, ;mium stripping solution. In case of bulky
articles, the test may be localized by using a glass ring about 25 mm in
diameter and 25 mm in height clamped in dose contact with the test
piece and the joint made good by pressing plasticine around the outside
lower periphery of the Ting.
6.4 To stop action on some parts of an article, the attack may be localized
to a selected area hy coating the remaining surface with nitrocellulose
varnish.
6.5 Record the time, from the appearance of black film over the surface
under test to the cessation of gassing, by means of a ,stop-watch. l'\ote
down the temperature of the solution.
6.6 Thickness of deposit is obtained by simple proportion from the time
required to dissolve a unit thickness at the temperature of testing ( sa
Fig. 8).
20
.., " '"

16
0
z
.
0
V
14
12
'"
III
10 ......
!
III
2
~
•
6
r""
:"-
1'-0
..
2
10 1 20 25 30 35
TEM~ATURE IN ·c
FlO. 8 TIME REQUIRED TO DISSOLVE 0'000 3 mm 01' CHROMIUM

AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE
18
IS: 3203 - 1982
APPENDIX A
( Clause 0.3 )
A-I. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY EDDY CURRENT
METHOD
A-I.I The details of the method are given in IS : 6012-1971".
A-2. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY THERMOELECTRIC
METHOD
A-2.1 The instrument utilizes the thermoelectric properties of the junction
between the plating and the basis metal. A copper probe terminating
in a small hemispherical steep tip and heated to a constant temperature
by a small electric winding is applied to plated articles. Since the
temperature at the plating basis metal interface is dependent on the
thickness of the nickel immediately beneath the heated probe, the thermo-
electric potential generated between the hot probe and a cold part of the
plated article varies with the coating thickness. This thermoelectric
potential, which is less than one millivolt, is amplified electronically and
shown on a meter. The instrument as at present available is a robust
routine inspection tool for industry to enable rapid, accurate, and non-
destructive measurements to be made of the nickel plate on steel, brass
and zinc alloy die castings.
A-3. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY COLOMETRIC

METHOD
A-3.l The colometric principle involves anodically stripping the plating
from a standard area and measuring the integration of the time and
current density. When platings are measured for thickness by this
method a small accurately determined area of the surface is attacked by
a stripping solution, with or without agitation. At the same time a
current is passed through the cell and the plating, and the integrating
circuit provides a reading based on the integration of the current density
and the time taken to strip the plating.
A-l.2 The operation is very simple, normally occupying only a few
minutes and the meter switched itself off when th'e stripping action is
completed. The thickness of the plating thus removed is determined
from a dial reading and a multiplying factor. The instrument is mains-
operated and is suitable for use in the inspection department by non-
technical staff.
"Method for meaaurement of coating thickn~ss by eddy current.
19
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IS, 3203· 1982

*Method for meaaurement of coaling Ihickneu by eddy current.

·Specification for water for general laboratory use ( second rtvisiors ).

3.3.1 Then treat the surface in such a manner as to obtain the

Reagents to etch steel:

.Specificatlon Cor nitric acid ( s","" rlVi.sion ).

4. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY MAGNETIC

5. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS RY RNF JET TEST

·Specification for hydrochloric acid ( slC01IIl misioll),

Flo. I ApPARATUS FOR BNF JET TES1

5.3.'2 For Bright Nickel Coating

NOTE - Standardize the solution hy titrating with standard sodium thiosulphate

5.4 Preparation of the Apparatus

5.4.1 Adjust the levelling Screws of the apparatus to prevent rocking.

lSI 3203 - 1982

Flo. 2 TDd REQUIRED TO PJtN£TRATIt 0'002 5 mm OF COPPER

IS, 3203 - ISS2

2·0 -- ." . -::'. ~7"" .,

Fif). 3 TI~E. REQ.UIRED TO PENETRATE 0'002 5 mm OF LEAD AT

5.6.3.1 The end point is indicated by the contrast in appearance

.., " '"

FlO. 8 TIME REQUIRED TO DISSOLVE 0'000 3 mm 01' CHROMIUM

IS: 3203 - 1982

A-3. DETERMINATION OF THICKNESS BY COLOMETRIC

"Method for meaaurement of coating thickn~ss by eddy current.

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

·Sales Office IS at 5 Chowringhee Approach, P 0 Princep Street,

Printed at New India Printing Press, Khurja, India

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