Internal stress exists as an inherent force within electroplated and chemically applied metallic deposits. This induced stress can be tensile or compressive in nature, causing the deposit to contract or expand in relation to the base material. High levels of stress in deposits produce micro-cracking and macro-cracking, and in severe cases produce a lack of deposit adhesion in the form of blistering, peeling, and flaking. Two ways to evaluate the internal deposit stress in metallic coatings are the bent strip Deposit Stress Analyzer and the Spiral Contractometer systems. These represent two stress test procedures that have approval status by the American Society for Testing Metals Standards.

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The Deposit Stress Analyzer System  

This is a unique, reliable, accurate and economical method for testing the internal deposit stress exhibited in thin metallic coatings such as those deposited by electrolytic and electroless plating processes and electrocoated deposits. Testing using the Deposit Stress Analyzer is simple and requires a low capital investment. Test strips can be coated along with work being processed, or testing can be done by coating the test strips separately in a laboratory bench set-up with the deposit or coating being evaluated. Calculation of the internal deposit stress in pounds per square inch, whether tensile or compressive, can be easily determined.

The Deposit Stress Analyzer System can be used by most metal platers.

Some applications include:

Military zinc, tin and cadmium plated deposits        Hard chrome plated deposits

Decorative nickel chrome plated deposits               Electronics copper and nickel plated deposits

Precious metal plated deposits                                Electroless chemically deposited metallic layers

Engineered metal alloy plated deposits

The Deposit Stress Analyzer Method is ASTM Standard B975

The Spiral Contractometer System  

Our Spiral Contractometer offers the advantage of a new geometry to solve problems related to an exposed center rod that allows deposition of the applied deposit to occur on the inside of the spiral (helix).  An interior deposit reversed the type of stress to a significant degree and on the inside of the spiral (helix).  An interior deposit reverses the type of stress to a significant degree and calculates erroneous data much greater that is commonly realized so interior masking is very necessary.  This design provides masking is sufficient for process control when using helices without an interior mask.  Also, it enables helices to be plated tip to tip so the plated surface area is the same for every spiral (helix). Guessing the surface area is not necessary.  Stainless steel inserts and 25% glass filled Teflon construction prevent thread damage.

The Advantages                                                       The Improvements

Accurate repeatable results                                        Thread stripping is prevented

Easy centering of the Helix                                         Reduced calibration wheel friction

Easy centering of the anode basket                           25% glass filled Teflon construction

Holes at helix ends- no slippage                                Inside spiral surface is shielded

Simple and rapid calculations in English/ Metric        Minimal  deposit on helix interior

Guess steps are eliminated                                        Precise scale to arrow view

The Spiral Contractometer Method is ASTM Standard B636

*Ordering on this website is for USA only.  We have Distributors in China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, S. Korea, and Taiwan, see contact us page for information. All other countries may order from Specialty Testing and Development Company by e-mail, fax, or phone.  A $50.00 wire fee will be added to all international orders paid by bank wire transfer.

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Specialty Testing and Development Company’s mission is to provide the global manufacturing industry with accurate and cost effective methods and equipment for testing stress in applied metallic coatings.

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