If you are a user of ASTM B 456, Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium and Nick Plus Chromium, ASTM International Committee B08 on Metallic and Inorganic Coatings would like to hear from you. B 456 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee B08.08.03 on Decorative Coatings.

"Subcommittee B08.08.03 has received reports that some users are experiencing problems with the Dubpernell test for determining the number of discontinuities in chromium deposit over particle nickel," says B08 member Lenora Marshall, Atotech USA, Inc. The subcommittee is asking current and former users of the standard, particular those who have used Appendix X4, to provide any information on problems encountered while using the Dubpernell test. Marshall also notes that some of the factors that can affect the final pore count of the test include different samples, plating equipment, operator experience and sample preparation.

This is the information the subcommittee would like to learn from users:

• Have you used the test on decorative coatings on steel, aluminum, plastics or other types of substrates? If so, have you experienced problems?
• What was the nature of the problems?
• Have you modified the test in practice? If so, how?
• Do you use the copper bath formulation cited? If not, what type of copper bath formulation do you use?

"We welcome comments on this long-standing and frequently used method for electroplated decorative coatings," says Marshall. "Our goal is to continually provide revisions that ensure the quality and durability of decorative coatings in the metal finishing industry."

For further technical information, contact Lenora Marshall, Atotech USA, Inc., Rock Hill, S.C. (phone: 803/326-3454; Lenora.marshall@atotech.com). Committee B08 will meet April 27, at the April Committee Week in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For membership or meeting details, contact Diane Rehiel, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9717; drehiel@astm.org).

Release #7301