ASTM B866-95 - 1.1.1995
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers equipment and methods for detecting gross defects and mechanical damage (including wear-through) in metallic coatings where the breaks in the coating penetrate down to a copper or copper alloy substrate.

1.2 This test method is suitable for coatings consisting of single or combined layers of any coating that does not significantly tarnish in an alkaline polysulfide solution. Examples are gold, nickel, tin, tin-lead, and palladium, or their alloys.

1.3 Recent reviews of porosity testing (which include those for gross defects) and testing methods can be found in literature. An ASTM guide to the selection of porosity and gross defect tests for electrodeposits and related metallic coatings is available as Guide B765. Other related porosity test standards are Test Methods B735, B741, B798, B799, and B809.

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

1.5 This 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

B246-15(2021)

Standard Specification for Tinned Hard-Drawn and Medium-Hard-Drawn Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes

B374-24

Standard Terminology Relating to Electroplating

B689-97(2023)

Standard Specification for Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings

B733-22(2026)

Standard Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coatings on Metal

B799-95(2025)

Standard Test Method for Porosity in Gold and Palladium Coatings by Sulfurous Acid/Sulfur-Dioxide Vapor

B809-25

Standard Test Method for Porosity in Metallic Coatings by Humid Sulfur Vapor (“Flowers-of-Sulfur”)

B735-16(2022)

Standard Test Method for Porosity in Gold Coatings on Metal Substrates by Nitric Acid Vapor

B741-95(2000)

Standard Test Method for Porosity In Gold Coatings On Metal Substrates By Paper Electrography (Withdrawn 2005)

B765-03(2023)

Standard Guide for Selection of Porosity and Gross Defect Tests for Electrodeposits and Related Metallic Coatings

B798-26

Standard Test Method for Porosity in Gold or Palladium Coatings on Metal Substrates by Gel-Bulk Electrography

B488-18(2025)

Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Gold for Engineering Uses

B542-24

Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use

B545-22

Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Tin

B605-22

Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Tin-Nickel Alloy

B679-98(2021)

Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Palladium for Engineering Use