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Metallurgical Services

SGS MSi can perform plating thickness using SEM and optical microscopy.

SGS MSi can perform plating thickness using SEM and Optical Microscopy (Image Analysis) on material as thin as .25 microns (.000010 in. or 10 micro-inches). Each examination is traceable to NIST Standard 484. Samples are prepared, mounted and examined using the specified method.

When plating is very thin, we can apply an electroless nickel plating to protect the integrity of the original plated material.

Plating Thickness Testing

Some types of plating SGS MSi measures are:

  • Zinc
  • Gold
  • Nickel
  • Copper
  • Chromium
  • Chro
  • Cadmium 
  • Siler
  • Tin
  • Aluminum (anodized)

ASTM A90 Coating Weight Determination

ASTM A90, is the analytical method for measuring the amount of zinc coating applied to a steel product for a specified surface area. Zinc coatings protect steels against corrosion through the sacrificial loss of the zinc in the plating. This degree of protection is directly proportional to the weight (mass) of zinc in the coating.

Test Methods and Specifications

The following is a listing of specifications that are in accordance with our A2LA and ISO accreditation.

  • ASTM B748-90(2010) Standard Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic Coatings by Measurement of Cross Section with a Scanning Electron Microscope
  • ASTM B487-85(2007) Standard Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide Coating Thickness by Microscopical Examination of Cross Section
  • ASTM E3-11 Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
  • ASTM A90 Standard Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings

Contact us today to learn more about our metallurgical services.