What are the International Standards Commonly used to Regulate Salt Spray Testing?

Salt spray testing is a commonly used method for evaluating the corrosion resistance of materials and coatings. It involves exposing test specimens to a controlled saltwater mist or fog, simulating the harsh conditions that materials may encounter in the real world. The primary purpose of conducting a salt spray test on the materials is to assess the durability and effectiveness of materials or coatings in resisting corrosion caused by exposure to salty environments. This is especially important for industries such as automotive, aerospace, maritime, and construction where materials are constantly exposed to harsh elements.

By subjecting test specimens to an accelerated corrosive environment, manufacturers can predict how their products will perform over time in real-world conditions. This allows them to make necessary improvements or adjustments before releasing their products into the market.  Presto high-quality salt spray test chamber Korrox IV Magnus Series Computerized is one of the widely used lab testing instruments that can be used in different industries that can easily check the corrosion resistance of surface coatings and materials when exposed to salt water.

This salt spray test machine is an HMI-based touch-screen model that comes with in-built temperature settings and is enabled with salt spray mode to set the parameters according to the testing sample. It has been designed as per industrial standards including ASTM B117, JIS Z 2371 and ISO 9227. 

In this blog, we will focus on brief information about international standards used in salt spray testing and how these testing standards help to regularize the testing process. 

Importance of International Standards in Salt Spray Testing

Salt spray testing involves exposing test specimens to a highly corrosive salt spray environment, which simulates aggressive environmental conditions such as coastal or industrial settings. The results of salt spray testing are crucial in determining the suitability and durability of materials for different applications.

However, to ensure accurate and reliable results, it is essential to follow internationally recognized standards for conducting salt spray test Chamber. These standards provide specific guidelines on the procedure, equipment, and evaluation criteria for salt spray testing. In this section, we will dive deeper into the importance of international standards in salt spray testing.

1. Consistency and comparability:

One of the primary reasons why international standards are crucial in salt spray testing is to ensure consistency and comparability of results. These standards outline uniform procedures that must be followed by all laboratories conducting salt spray tests worldwide. This eliminates variations in testing methods and equipment, leading to more consistent and comparable results.

2. Credibility:

By adhering to international standards, laboratories can demonstrate their competence in conducting accurate and reliable salt spray tests. It also enhances their credibility as these standards have been developed by experts from various industries based on extensive research and knowledge.

3. Quality control:

International standards play a vital role in maintaining quality control in salt spray testing procedures. They provide strict guidelines for equipment calibration, sample preparation, test duration, evaluation criteria, etc., ensuring that all tests are performed under standardized conditions. This helps identify any discrepancies that may occur during the testing process. 

Conducting a salt spray test is critical for the material’s durability as well. Thus, with the Presto salt spray test chamber, users will get faster salt spray testing results. 

Commonly Used International Standards for Salt Spray Testing

In the world of salt spray testing, there are various international standards that are commonly used by different industries. These standards serve as a guideline for conducting accurate and reliable salt spray test, ensuring that the results obtained are consistent and can be compared across different laboratories.

Some of the most widely used international standards in salt spray testing include:

1. ASTM B117:

ASTM B117 stands as a globally acknowledged standard for salt spray testing, offering precise protocols for conducting neutral salt spray (NSS) tests. These tests replicate natural environmental conditions to evaluate the corrosion resistance of coatings. The standard not only outlines procedures, equipment, and parameters essential for accurate testing but also provides guidelines for interpreting and consistently reporting results. Primarily designed to simulate real-life conditions where exposure to saltwater or salt-laden atmospheres can induce corrosion, ASTM B117 is crucial for industries such as shipbuilding, oil rigs, offshore structures, and automotive parts. The testing process involves placing specimens in a controlled chamber, and subjecting them to a fine mist of saltwater solution for varying durations, typically 240 hours or more. Stringent monitoring of factors like temperature, humidity, pH levels, and solution concentration ensures the accuracy and consistency of results.

2. ISO 9227:

Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 9227 specifies methods for NSS, acetic acid-salt fog (AASS), and copper-accelerated acetic acid-salt fog (CASS) tests. It offers guidelines on sample preparation, test duration, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements. The standard serves the purpose of providing a uniform method for assessing material behaviour in corrosive environments, enabling fair comparisons among different materials and coatings. The test involves exposing samples to controlled salt spray environments mimicking natural conditions that commonly lead to metal corrosion. ISO 9227 comprises three variations, each simulating different corrosive environments like coastal areas or industrial settings.

3. JIS Z 2371:

Similar to ASTM B117, the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS Z 2371 incorporates additional requirements specific to Japan's industrial sector. Covering NSS and CASS tests, it offers detailed instructions on chamber specifications, sample preparation, test duration, evaluation criteria, and reporting. The standard outlines procedures and requirements for salt spray tests on metallic materials like steel, zinc alloys, aluminium alloys, and copper alloys. Emphasizing a neutral testing environment, JIS Z 2371 demands the elimination of all potential sources of contamination. It also addresses various types of corrosion observed during testing, including uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, and intergranular corrosion, providing guidelines for identification and measurement. Additionally, the standard includes instructions for interpreting test results and assessing visible damage or changes in appearance after exposure to the salt spray environment.

These are the different testing standards used in salt spray testing. You can read more on the top 5 applications of salt spray chambers for an easy testing process. 

If you want to buy a salt spray tester then you can easily give us a call at +91 9210 903 903 or email us at info@prestogroup.com. Our team of technical experts will consult you regarding all your needs and queries.