ASTM B374 Standard Terminology Relating To Electroplating

Endorsed by American
Designation: B 374 – 06 Electroplaters’ Society

Endorsed by National
Association of Metal Finishers
Standard Terminology Relating to

Electroplating1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 374; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
These definitions correspond to interpretations as applied to electroplating and do not necessarily

correspond to the definitions used in other fields.
1. Referenced Documents aluminizing—forming of an aluminum or aluminum alloy

1.1 ASTM Standards: 2 coating on a metal by hot dipping, hot spraying, or diffusion.
B 368 Test Method for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid- amorphous—noncrystalline, or devoid of regular structure.
Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test) ampere—the current that will deposit silver at the rate of
0.0011180 g/s. Current flowing at the rate of 1 C/s.
2. Terminology angström unit (Å)—10−8 cm.
anion—a negatively-charged ion.
abrasive blasting—a process for cleaning or finishing by
anode—the electrode in electrolysis, at which negative ions
means of an abrasive directed at high velocity against the
are discharged, positive ions are formed, or other oxidizing
work piece.
reactions occur.
activator—in diffusion coatings, a chemical, usually a halide
anode corrosion—dissolution of anode metal by the electro-
salt, that enters into a reaction with the source or master
chemical action in an electrolytic cell.
alloy, depositing the source on the substrate.
anode efficiency—current efficiency of a specified anodic
activation—elimination of a passive condition on a surface.
process.
activity (ion)—the ion concentration corrected for deviations
anode film—(1) the layer of solution in contact with the anode
from ideal behavior. Concentration multiplied by activity
that differs in composition from that of the bulk of the
coefficient.
solution. (2) The outer layer of the anode itself consisting of
addition agent—a material added in small quantities to a
oxidation or reaction products of the anode metal.
solution to modify its characteristics. It is usually added to a
anode polarization—See polarization.
plating solution for the purpose of modifying the character of
anodic coating—a protective, decorative, or functional coat-
a deposit.
ing, formed by conversion of the surface of a metal in an
adhesion—the attractive force that exists between an elec-
electrolytic oxidation process.
trodeposit and its substrate that can be measured as the force
anodizing—an electrolytic oxidation process in which the
required to separate an electrodeposit and its substrate.
surface of a metal, when anodic, is converted to a coating
adhesion, practical, n—the force or work required to detach
having desirable protective, decorative, or functional prop-
or remove a coating from the underlayer or substrate; it can
erties.
be measured in terms of peel, pull, or shear strength as an
anolyte—the portion of electrolyte in the vicinity of the anode;
experimentally determined quantity.
in a divided cell, the portion of electrolyte on the anode side
of the diaphragm.
anti-pitting agent—an addition agent for the specific purpose
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on of preventing gas pits in a deposit.
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B08.01 on Ancillary Activities. autocatalytic plating—deposition of a metal coating by a
Current edition approved May 15, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally controlled chemical reduction, catalyzed by the metal or
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as B 374 – 96 (2003).
2
alloy being deposited.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
automatic machine (or conveyor)—a machine for mechani-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on cally processing parts through treatment cycles, such as
the ASTM website. cleaning, anodizing, or plating.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
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B 374 – 06
automatic plating: (1) full—plating in which the cathodes are bright electroplating range—the range of current densities
automatically conveyed through successive cleaning and within which an electroplating solution produces a bright
plating tanks. (2) semi—plating in which the cathodes are deposit under a given set of operating conditions.
conveyed automatically through only one plating tank. bright plating—a process that produces an electrodeposit
auxiliary anode—a supplementary anode employed during having a high degree of specular reflectance in the as-plated
electrodeposition to achieve a desired thickness distribution condition.
of the deposit. bright plating range—the range of current densities within
auxiliary cathode—See thief. which a given plating solution produces a bright plate.
back emf (electromotive force)—the potential set up in an brightener—an addition agent that leads to the formation of a
electrolytic cell that opposes the flow of current, caused by bright plate, or that improves the brightness of the deposit.
such factors as concentration polarization and electrode bright-throwing power—the measure of the ability of a
films. See emf (electromotive force). plating solution or a specified set of plating conditions to
ball burnishing—See barrel burnishing. deposit uniformly bright electroplate upon an irregularly
barrel burnishing—the smoothing of surfaces by means of shaped cathode.
tumbling the work in rotating barrels in the presence of bronzing—the application of a chemical finish to copper or
metallic or ceramic shot, and in the absence of abrasive. In copper alloy surfaces to alter the color.
ball burnishing, the shot consists of hardened steel balls. brush plating—a method of plating in which the plating
barrel electroplating—an electroplating process in which solution is applied with a pad or brush, within which is an
electrodeposits are applied to articles in bulk in a rotating, anode and which is moved over the cathode to be plated.
oscillating, or otherwise moving container. brush polishing (electrolytic)—a method of electropolishing
barrel finishing (or tumbling)—bulk processing in barrels, in (q.v.) in which the electrolyte is applied with a pad or brush
either the presence or absence of abrasives or burnishing in contact with the part to be polished.
shot, for the purpose of improving the surface finish. buffer—a compound or mixture that, when contained in
barrel plating (or cleaning)—plating or cleaning in which the solution, causes the solution to resist change in pH. Each
work is processed in bulk in a rotating container. buffer has a characteristic limited range of pH over which it
barrel processing—mechanical, chemical, cleaning, or elec- is effective.
trolytic treatment of articles in bulk or in a rotating, buffing—the smoothing of a surface by means of a rotating
oscillating, or otherwise moving container. flexible wheel to the surface of which fine, abrasive particles
barrier layer—in anodizing aluminum, the thin, pore-free, are applied in liquid suspension, paste, or grease stick form.
semiconducting aluminum oxide region nearest the metal building up—electroplating for the purpose of increasing the
surface and distinct from the main anodic oxide coating dimensions of an article.
which has a pore structure. burn off—the unintentional removal of an autocatalytic de-
base metal—(1) See basis metal; (2) in diffusion coatings, the posit from a nonconducting substrate, during subsequent
metal present in the largest proportion in an alloy. electroplating operations, owing to the application of excess
basis metal (or material)—material upon which coatings are current or a poor contact area.
deposited. burnishing—the smoothing of surfaces by rubbing, accom-
bipolar electrode—an electrode that is not directly connected plished chiefly by the movement rather than the removal of
to the power supply but is so placed in the solution between the surface layer.
the anode and the cathode that the part nearest the anode burnt deposit—a rough, noncoherent or otherwise unsatisfac-
becomes cathodic and the part nearest the cathode becomes tory deposit produced by the application of an excessive
anodic. current density and usually containing oxides or other
black oxide—a finish on metal produced by immersing a metal inclusions.
in hot oxidizing salts or salt solutions. bus (bus bar)—a rigid conducting section, for carrying current
blasting—See sand blasting; grit blasting; wet blasting. to the anode and cathode bars.
blister—a dome-shaped imperfection or defect, resulting from butler finish—a finish composed of fine, uniformly distributed
loss of adhesion between a metallic deposit and the sub- parallel lines, having a characteristic luster usually produced
strate. with rotating wire brushes or cloth wheels with applied
bloom—a visible exudation or efflorescence on a surface. abrasives.
blue dip—a solution, once widely used, containing a mercury calomel half cell (calomel electrode)— a half cell containing
compound used to deposit mercury upon a metal by immer- a mercury electrode in contact with a solution of potassium
sion, usually prior to silver plating. chloride of specified concentration that is saturated with
blueing—the formation of a thin oxide film on steel, either by mercurous chloride (calomel).
heating in air, or by immersion in oxidizing solutions. calorizing—imparting resistance to oxidation to an iron or
bright dip (nonelectrolytic)—a solution used to produce a steel surface by heating in aluminum powder at 800 to
bright surface on a metal. 1000°C (1470 to 1830°F).
bright electroplating—a process that produces an electrode- CASS test (copper accelerated salt spray)— an accelerated
posit having a high degree of specular reflectance in the corrosion test for some electrodeposits and for anodic
as-plated condition. coatings on aluminum (see Test Method B 368).
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B 374 – 06
cataphoresis—See electrophoresis. solvent cleaning— cleaning by means of organic solvents.
cathode—the electrode in electrolysis at which positive ions spray cleaning— cleaning by means of spraying.
are discharged, negative ions are formed, or other reducing ultrasonic cleaning—cleaning by any chemical means aided
actions occur. by ultrasonic energy.
cathode efficiency—the current efficiency of a specified ca- cleaning-emulsifiable solvent—two-stage cleaning system
thodic process. wherein a concentrate containing organic solvents and
cathode film—the layer of solution in contact with the cathode surface-active agents is applied to a surface, subsequently
that differs in composition from that of the bulk of the emulsified, and removed along with the soil, by water
solution. rinsing.
cathode polarization— See polarization. coating cycle—specific time and temperature to achieve de-
catholyte—the portion of the electrolyte in the vicinity of the sired depth of diffusion.
cathode; in a divided cell the portion of the cathode side of coating, diffusion—an alloy coating produced by applying
the diaphragm. heat to one or more coatings deposited on a metal substrate.
cation—a positively-charged ion. colloidal particle—an electrically-charged particle, generally
caustic dip—in diffusion coatings, a strongly alkaline treat- smaller in size than 200 mµ, dispersed in a second continu-
ment applied by dip or spray for neutralizing acid residues. ous phase.
cementation—See pack cementation. color anodizing—in anodizing aluminum, formation of a
chelate compound—a compound in which the metal is con- colored coating on aluminum where the colored compound,
tained as an integral part of a ring structure and is not readily pigment, or dye is incorporated after the coating has been
ionized. formed.
chelating agent—a compound capable of forming a chelate coloring—(1) the production of desired colors on metal
compound with a metal ion. See chelate compound. surfaces by appropriate chemical or electrochemical action.
chemical milling—the shaping of a work piece by immersion (2) light buffing of metal surfaces for the purpose of
in an etchant employing a resist for selective removal of producing a high luster. Called “color buffing.”
material. complex ion—an ion composed of two or more ions or
chemical plating—deposition of a metal coating by chemical, radicals, both of which are capable of independent existence,
non-electrolytic methods. See also immersion plate, con- for example, cuprocyanide (Cu(CN)3) = .
tact plating.
complexing agent—a compound that will combine with me-
chemical polishing—the improvement in surface smoothing
tallic ions to form complex ions. See complex ion.
of a metal by simple immersion in a suitable solution. See
composite coating—a coating consisting of deposits incorpo-
bright dip (nonelectrolytic).
rating particles of another material. See also dispersion
chromating—a process for producing a conversion coating
coating.
containing chromium compounds.
composite plate—an electrodeposit consisting of two or more
chromizing—a surface treatment at elevated temperatures,
layers of metal deposited successively.
generally carried out in pack, vapor, or salt baths, in which
an alloy is formed by the inward diffusion of chromium into concentration polarization—that part of the total polarization
the base metal. that is caused by changes in the activity of the potential-
cleaning—the removal of grease, oxides, or other foreign determining components of the electrolyte.
material from a surface. conductance—the capacity of a medium, usually expressed in
alkaline cleaning— cleaning by means of alkaline solutions. mhos, for transmitting electric current. The reciprocal of
anodic or reverse cleaning—electrolytic cleaning in which resistance.
the work is the anode. conducting salt—a salt added to the solution in order to
cathodic or direct cleaning—electrolytic cleaning in which increase its conductivity.
the work is the cathode. conductivity—specific conductance—the current transferred
diphase cleaning— cleaning by means of solutions that across unit area per unit potential gradient. In the metric
contain a solvent layer and an aqueous layer. Cleaning is system, K = amperes per square centimetre divided by volts
effected both by solvent and emulsifying action. per centimetre. The reciprocal of resistivity.
direct current cleaning—See cathodic or direct cleaning. contact plating—deposition of a metal by the use of an
electrolytic cleaning—alkaline cleaning in which a current is internal source of current by immersion of the work in
passed through the solution, the work being one of the solution in contact with another metal.
electrodes. contact potential—the potential difference at the junction of
emulsion cleaning— cleaning by means of solutions con- two dissimilar substances.
taining organic solvents, water, and emulsifying agents. conversion coating—the conversion of the surface of a metal
immersion—See soak cleaning. into a superficial coating that more readily accepts applied
reverse current cleaning—See anodic or reverse cleaning. coatings or provides for a more corrosion-resistant surface
soak cleaning— cleaning by immersion without the use of by a chemical or electrochemical process in which com-
current, usually in alkaline solution. pounds of the metal in question become part of the coating,
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B 374 – 06
or both. For example, zinc phosphate coatings from phos- cationic detergent—a detergent that produces aggregates of
phoric acid-based treatment of zinc or aluminum oxide/ positively-charged ions with colloidal properties.
chromium oxide coatings from the treatment of aluminum nonionic detergent—a detergent that produces aggregates of
with chromium compounds in the plus six oxidation state. electrically-neutral molecules with colloidal properties.
conversion treatment—a chemical or electrochemical process diaphragm—a porous or permeable membrane separating
producing a superficial layer containing a compound of the anode and cathode compartments of an electrolytic cell from
metal. each other or from an intermediate compartment.
Corrodkote test—an accelerated corrosion test for electrode- diffusion—(1) spreading of a constituent in a gas, liquid, or
posits (see Method B 3802). solid tending to make the composition of all parts uniform;
corrosion—(1) gradual solution or oxidation of a metal. (2) the spontaneous movement of atoms or molecules to new
( 2) solution of anode metal by the electrochemical action in sites within a material.
the plating cell. diffusion coating—an alloy coating produced by applying heat
coulomb—the quantity of electricity that is transmitted to one or more coatings deposited on a basis metal.
through an electric circuit in 1 s when the current in the diffusion cycle—specific time and temperature to acquire a
circuit is 1 A. The quantity of electricity that will deposit depth of diffusion and composition.
0.0011180 g of silver. diffusion treatment (or coating)—(1) process of producing a
coulometer—an electrolytic cell arranged to measure the surface layer (diffusion layer) by diffusion of another metal
quantity of electricity by the chemical action produced in or non-metal into the surface of the basis material.
accordance with Faraday’s law. (2) in electroplating, heat treatment applied to a work piece
covering power—the ability of a plating solution under a to achieve alloying or intermetallic compound formation be-
specified set of plating conditions to deposit metal on the tween two or more coatings on a basis material.
surfaces of recesses or deep holes. (To be distinguished from dispersing agent—a material that increases the stability of a
throwing power.) suspension of particles in a liquid medium.
crazing—a network of fine hairline cracks in a coating. dispersion coating—a coating consisting of particles of one
critical current density—a current density above which a new material contained in a matrix of another metal or nonmetal.
and sometimes undesirable reaction occurs. divided cell—a cell containing a diaphragm or other means for
current density (cd)—current per unit area. physically separating the anolyte from the catholyte.
double salt—a compound of two salts that crystallize together
current efficiency—the proportion, usually expressed as a
in a definite proportion.
percentage, of the current that is effective in carrying out a
specified process in accordance with Faraday’s law. drag-in—the water or solution that adheres to the objects
introduced into a bath.
cut wire blasting—blasting with short, cut lengths of metal
drag-out—the solution that adheres to the objects removed
wire. See abrasive blasting.
from a bath.
cutting down—polishing or buffing for the purpose of remov-
ductility—the ability of a material to deform plastically
ing roughness or irregularities.
without fracturing.
deburring—the removal of burrs, sharp edges, or fins by
dummy (or dummy cathode)—a cathode in a plating solution
mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical means.
that is not to be made use of after plating. Often used for
decarburization—loss of carbon from the surface layer of a removal or decomposition of impurities.
carbon containing alloy due to reaction with one or more
duplex coating—See composite plate.
chemical substances in a medium that contacts the surface.
electrochemical equivalent—the weight of an element, com-
decomposition potential—the minimum potential, exclusive pound, radical, or ion involved in a specified electrochemical
of IR drop, at which an electrochemical process can take reaction during the passage of unit quantity of electricity,
place at an appreciable rate. such as a Faraday, ampere-hour, or coulomb.
degreasing—the removal of grease and oils from a surface. electrochemistry—the branch of science and technology
solvent degreasing—degreasing by immersion in liquid which deals with transformations between chemical and
organic solvent. electrical energy.
vapor degreasing— degreasing by solvent vapors condens- electrode—a conductor through which current enters or leaves
ing on the parts being cleaned. an electrolytic cell, at which there is a change from conduc-
deionization—the removal of ions from a solution by ion tion by electrons to conduction by charged particles of
exchange. matter, or vice versa.
depolarization—a decrease in the polarization of an electrode electrode potential—the difference in potential between an
at a specified current density. electrode and the immediately adjacent electrolyte referred
depolarizer—a substance or a means that produces depolar- to some standard electrode potential as zero.
ization. dynamic E.P.—the electrode potential measured when cur-
detergent—a surface-active agent that possesses the ability to rent is passing between the electrode and the electrolyte.
clean soiled surfaces. equilibrium E.P.—a static electrode potential when the
anionic detergent— a detergent that produces aggregates of electrode and the electrolyte are in equilibrium with respect
negatively-charged ions with colloidal properties. to a specified electrochemical reaction.
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standard E.P.—an equilibrium electrode potential for an equivalent conductivity—in an electrolyte, the conductivity
electrode in contact with an electrolyte in which all of the of the solution divided by the number of equivalents of
components of a specified chemical reaction are in their conducting solute per unit volume, that is, the conductivity
standard states. The standard state for an ionic constituent is divided by the normality of the solution.
unit ion activity. etch, n—a roughened surface produced by a chemical or
static E.P.—the electrode potential measured when no net electrochemical means.
current is flowing between the electrode and the electrolyte. etch, v—to dissolve unevenly a part of the surface of a metal.
electrodeposition—the process of depositing a substance upon faraday—the number of coulombs (96,490) required for an
an electrode by electrolysis. See electroforming, electro- electrochemical reaction involving one chemical equivalent.
plating, electrorefining, and electrowinning. filler—a material used to increase the bulk of a product without
electroforming—the production or reproduction of articles by adding to its effectiveness in functional performance.
electrodeposition upon a mandrel or mold that is subse- filter aid—an inert, insoluble material, more or less finely
quently separated from the deposit. divided, used as a filter medium or to assist in filtration by
electrogalvanizing—electrodeposition of zinc coatings. preventing excessive packing of the filter cake.
electroless plating—term in use but not recommended. See flash (or flash plate)—a very thin electrodeposit used for a
autocatalytic plating. final coating; for intermediate coatings of the same nature
electrolysis—production of chemical changes by the passage use strike.
of current through an electrolyte. flocculate—to aggregate into larger particles, to increase in
electrolyte—(1) a conducting medium in which the flow of size to the point where precipitation occurs.
current is accompanied by movement of matter. Most often flow brightening—the melting of an electrodeposit, followed
an aqueous solution of acids, bases, or salts, but includes by solidification, especially of tin plate.
many other media, such as fused salts, ionized gases, some formula weight—the weight, in grams, pounds, or other units,
solids, etc. (2) a substance that is capable of forming a obtained by adding the atomic weights of all elemental
conducting liquid medium when dissolved or melted. constituents in a chemical formula.
electrolytic cell—a unit apparatus in which electrochemical free cyanide: (1) true—the actual concentration of cyanide
reactions are produced by applying electrical energy, or radical, or equivalent alkali cyanide, not combined in com-
which supplies electrical energy as a result of chemical plex ions with metals in solution. (2) calculated—the con-
reactions and which includes two or more electrodes and one centration of cyanide, or alkali cyanide, present in solution in
or more electrolytes contained in a suitable vessel. excess of that calculated as necessary to form a specified
electromotive series—a table that lists in order the standard complex ion with a metal or metals present in solution. (3)
electrode potentials of specified electrochemical reactions. analytical—the free cyanide content of a solution, as deter-
electrophoresis—the movement of colloidal particles pro- mined by a specified analytical method.
duced by the application of an electric potential.
NOTE 1—The true value of free cyanide is rarely known with certainty
electroplating—the electrodeposition of an adherent metallic
and is therefore usually only dealt with in discussions of theory. The
coating upon an electrode for the purpose of securing a calculated or analytical value is usually used in practice.
surface with properties or dimensions different from those of
the basis metal. galvanic cell—an electrolytic cell capable of producing elec-
electropolishing—the improvement in surface finish of a trical energy by electrochemical action.
metal effected by making it anodic in an appropriate solu- galvanic series—a list of metals and alloys arranged according
tion. to their relative potentials in a given environment. See
electrorefining—the process of anodically dissolving a metal electromotive series.
from an impure anode and depositing it cathodically in a galvanizing—application of a coating of zinc.
purer form. gassing—the evolution of gases from one or more of the
electrotyping—the production of printing plates by electro- electrodes during electrolysis.
forming. glass electrode—a half cell in which the potential measure-
electrowinning—the production of metals by electrolysis with ments are made through a glass membrane.
insoluble anodes in solutions derived from ores or other grinding—the removal of metal by means of rotating rigid
materials. wheels containing abrasive.
embrittlement, hydrogen— See hydrogen embrittlement. grit blasting—abrasive blasting with small irregular pieces of
emf (electromotive force)—an electrical potential. steel or malleable cast iron.
emulsifying agent—a substance that increases the stability of half cell—an electrode immersed in a suitable electrolyte. It
an emulsion. may be designed to yield a known constant potential, in
emulsion—a suspension of fine particles or globules of one or which case unknown potentials may be measured against it;
more liquids in another liquid. for example, the calomel half cell.
energy efficiency—the product of the current efficiency and hard chromium—chromium plate for engineering rather than
the voltage efficiency for a specified electrochemical pro- decorative applications. Not necessarily harder than the
cess. latter.
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B 374 – 06
hard-coating—in anodizing aluminum, an anodic oxide coat- lapping—rubbing two surfaces together, with or without
ing on aluminum with a higher apparent density and thick- abrasives, for the purpose of obtaining extreme dimensional
ness and a greater resistance to wear than conventional accuracy or superior surface finish.
coatings. leveling action—the ability of a plating solution to produce a
Haring cell—A rectangular box of non-conducting material, surface smoother than that of the substrate.
with principal and auxiliary electrodes so arranged as to limiting current density: (1) cathodic—the maximum current
permit estimation of throwing power or electrode polariza- density at which satisfactory deposits can be obtained.
tions and potentials between them. (2) anodic—the maximum current density at which the
high lights—those portions of a metal article most exposed to anode behaves normally, without excessive polarization.
buffing or polishing operations, and, hence, having the mandrel—a form used as a cathode in electroforming; a mold
highest luster. or matrix.
hot dip coating—a metallic coating obtained by dipping the masking—various materials applied to specific areas of parts
basis metal into a molten metal. to prevent coating from being deposited.
Hull cell—a trapezoidal box of nonconducting material with master alloy—an alloy rich in one or more desired addition
electrodes arranged to permit observation of cathodic or elements that is added to a melt to raise the percentage of a
anodic effects over a wide range of current densities.3 desired constituent.
hydrogen embrittlement—embrittlement of a metal or alloy
mat finish (matte finish)—a dull finish.
caused by absorption of hydrogen which may occur, for
matrix—See mandrel.
example, during pickling, cathodic cleaning, electroplating,
and autocatalytic plating processes. measurement area—the surface area that is examined for
hydrogen overvoltage—overvoltage associated with the lib- conformance to one or more specified requirements.
eration of hydrogen. mechanical cleaning—process for removing dirt, scale, or
hydrophilic—(1) tending to absorb water. (2) tending to other deposits from surfaces through the use of mechanical
concentrate in the aqueous phase. means such as abrasive blasting.
hydrophobic—(1) tending to repel water. (2)lacking affinity mechanical plating—the application of a metallic layer by
for water. impacting spherical objects (for example glass beads)
immersion plate—a metallic deposit produced by a displace- against the work surface in the presence of powdered coating
ment reaction in which one metal displaces another from metal and appropriate chemicals.
solution, for example: mechanical testing—determination of mechanical properties.
Fe + Cu++→ Cu + Fe ++ metal (or metallic) coating—generally denotes all metal
indicator (pH)—a substance that changes color when the pH coatings obtained by any method applied to a basis material.
of the medium is changed. In the case of most useful metal distribution ratio—the ratio of the thickness of metal
indicators, the pH range within which the color changes is upon two specified areas of a cathode. See throwing power.
narrow. metal spraying—application of a metallic coating by project-
inert anode—an anode that is insoluble in the electrolyte ing molten or heat-softened metal from a source (gun) onto
under the conditions prevailing in the electrolysis. the workpiece.
inhibitor—a substance used to reduce the rate of a chemical or metallizing—(1) the application of a metal layer to the surface
electrochemical reaction, commonly corrosion or pickling. of non-conducting or non-metallic materials.
interfacial tension—the contractile force of an interface (2) the application of metallic coatings by nonelectrolytic
between two phases. See surface tension. procedures such as spraying of molten or heat-soft-
ion—an electrified portion of matter of atomic or molecular ened metal or deposition from the vapor phase.
dimensions. microinch—one millionth of an inch, 0.000001 in. = 0.001
ion exchange—a reversible process by which ions are inter- mil.
changed between a solid and a liquid with no substantial micrometer (µm)—one millionth of a meter, 0.001 mm.
strucdural changes of the solid.
micron—obsolete (see micrometer).
IR drop—the voltage across a resistance in accordance with
microthrowing power—the ability of a plating solution or a
Ohm’s law:
specified set of plating conditions to deposit metal in pores
E 5 IR (1) or scratches.
mil—one thousandth of an inch, 0.001 in. = 25.4 µm.
where: mill scale—the heavy oxide layer that forms during hot
E = potential (voltage), fabrication or heat treatment of metals.
I = current, and modulated current plating—a method of electroplating in
R = resistance. which the cathode current density is changed periodically.
karat—a twenty-fourth part by weight; thus 18-karat gold is See pulse plating, ripple plating, periodic reverse plating.
18/24 pure. motor-generator (MG set)—a machine that consists of one or
more motors mechanically coupled to one or more genera-
tors. In plating, such a machine in which the generator
3
U. S. Patents 2,149,344; 2,760,928; and 2,801,963. delivers dc of appropriate amperage and voltage.
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B 374 – 06
multilayer deposit—a deposit consisting of two or more are usually much thicker than obtainable from coatings
layers of metal deposited successively, consisting of either which depend on the evaporation of a volatile solvent.
different metals or layers of the same metal with different plating range—the current density range over which a satis-
characteristics. factory electroplate can be deposited.
noble metal—a metal that does not readily tend to furnish polarization—the change in the potential of an electrode
ions, and therefore does not dissolve readily, nor easily enter during electrolysis, such that the potential of an anode
into such reactions as oxidations, etc. The opposite of base always becomes more noble and that of a cathode less noble
metal. than their respective static potentials. Equal to the difference
NOTE 2—Since there is no agreement over the sign of electrode between the static potential and the dynamic potential.
potentials, the words noble and base are often preferred because they are polarizer—a substance or a means that produces or increases
unambiguous. polarization.
nodule—a rounded projection formed on a cathode during polishing—the smoothing of a metal surface by means of the
electrodeposition. action of abrasive particles attached by adhesive to the
orange peel—a finish resembling the dimpled appearance of surface of wheels or endless belts usually driven at a high
an orange peel. speed.
overvoltage—the irreversible excess of potential required for pore—a discontinuity, essentially circular in cross section, in a
an electrochemical reaction to proceed actively at a specified coating extending through to the underlying coating or basis
electrode, over and above the reversible potential character- material.
istics of that reaction. primary current distribution—the distribution of the current
oxidation—a reaction in which electrons are removed from a over the surface of an electrode in the absence of polariza-
reactant. Sometimes, more specifically the combination of a tion.
reactant with oxygen. protective atmosphere—( 1) a gas envelope surrounding the
oxidizing agent—a compound that causes oxidation, thereby part to be brazed, welded, or thermal sprayed, with the gas
itself becoming reduced. composition controlled with respect to chemical composi-
pH—the cologarithm (negative logarithm) of the hydrogen ion tion, dew point, pressure, flow rate; (2) the atmosphere in a
activity, less precisely, concentration, of a medium, as heat treating or sintering furnace formulated to protect the
determined by inhibitors or electrometric means. parts or compacts from oxidation, nitridation, or other
pack cementation—in diffusion coatings, a coating process contamination from the environment.
similar to pack carburizing that involves packing the parts to pulse plating—a method of electroplating in which the current
be coated into a retort with a carefully blended mixture of is frequently interrupted or periodically decreased.
powders and then exposing the pack under hermetically rack, plating—a frame for suspending and carrying current to
sealed conditions or in an inert atmosphere to elevated articles during plating and related operations.
temperatures. rectification—the conversion of alternating into direct current.
passivating—a process for creating passivity (q.v.). rectifier—a device that converts alternating into direct current
passivity—the condition of a metal that retards its normal by virtue of a characteristic permitting appreciable flow of
reaction in a specified environment and associated with the current in only one direction.
assumption of a potential more noble than its normal
reducing agent—a compound that causes reduction, thereby
potential.
itself becoming oxidized.
peeling—the detachment or partial detachment of an electrode-
posited coating from a basis metal or undercoat. reduction—a reaction in which electrons are added to a
reactant. More specifically, the addition of hydrogen or the
peen plating—See mechanical plating.
abstraction of oxygen. Such a reaction takes place, for
peening—See shot peening.
example, at the cathode in electrolysis.
periodic reverse plating—a method of plating in which the
current is reversed periodically. The cycles are usually no reflowing—See flow brightening.
longer than a few minutes and may be much less. relieving—the removal of material from selected portions of a
pickle—an acid solution used to remove oxides or other colored metal surface by mechanical means, to achieve a
compounds from the surface of a metal by chemical or multicolored effect.
electrochemical action. resist, n—(1) a material applied to a part of a cathode or
pickling—the removal of oxides or other compounds from a plating rack to render the surface nonconductive. (2) A
metal surface by means of a pickle. material applied to a part of the surface of an article to
pit—a small depression or cavity produced in a metal surface prevent reaction of metal from that area during chemical or
during electrodeposition or by corrosion. electrochemical processes.
plastisol—a suspension of a finely divided resin in a plasti- retorts—containers fabricated from various metals in which
cizer, that can be converted to a continuous film by the parts are loaded to be diffusion coated or diffusion heat
application of heat. Distinct from baking enamels etc., in that treated.
substantially all the original mixture becomes a part of the ripple (dc)—regular modulations in the dc output wave of a
film; there is no significant evaporation of solvent. The films rectifier unit, or a motor-generator set, originating from the
7
B 374 – 06
harmonics of the ac input system in the case of a rectifier, or stalagmometer—an apparatus for determining surface ten-
from the harmonics of the induced voltage of a motor sion. The mass of a drop of a liquid is measured by weighing
generator set. a known number of drops or by counting the number of
ripple plating—a method of electroplating in which the drops obtained from a given volume of the liquid.
current is changed periodically by superimposing surges, standoff—in abrasive blasting, distance from blast nozzle to
ripples, pulses, or alternating current to the d-c electroplating part when abrasive blasting.
current. stardusting—an extremely fine form of roughness on the
robber—See thief. surface of a metal deposit.
roll straightening—in diffusion coatings, straightening of stop-off—See resist.
metal stock of various shapes by passing it through a series stopping off—the application of a resist to any part of an
of staggered rolls, the rolls usually being in horizontal and electrode—cathode, anode, or rack.
vertical planes. stray current—current through paths other than the intended
sacrificial protection—the form of corrosion protection circuit, such as through heating coils or the tank.
wherein one metal corrodes in preference to another, thereby strike: (1) n—a thin film of metal to be followed by other
protecting the latter from corrosion. coatings.
sand blasting—abrasive blasting with sand. (2) n—a solution used to deposit a strike.
saponification—the alkaline hydrolysis of fats whereby a soap (3) v—to plate for a short time, usually at a high initial
is formed; more generally, the hydrolysis of an ester by an current density.
alkali with the formation of an alcohol and a salt of the acid strip, n—a process or solution used for the removal of a
portion. coating from a basis metal or an undercoat.
satin finish—a surface finish that behaves as a diffuse reflector strip, v—to remove a coating from the basis metal or under-
and which is lustrous but not mirrorlike. coat.
scale—an adherent oxide coating that is thicker than the substrate—in diffusion coatings, material on which coating is
superficial film referred to as tarnish. deposited.
sealed (anodic) coating— in anodizing aluminum, an anodic superimposed ac—a form of current in which an alternating
oxide coating on aluminum that has been treated in an current component is superimposed on the direct plating
aqueous or steam medium resulting in reduced porosity of current.
the coating. surface active agent—a substance that affects markedly the
interfacial or surface tension of solutions even when present
sealing of anodic coating—a process which, by absorption,
in very low concentrations.
chemical reaction, or other mechanism, increases the resis-
tance of an anodic coating to staining and corrosion, im- surface tension—that property, due to molecular forces, that
proves the durability of colors produced in the coating, or exists in the surface film of all liquids and tends to prevent
imparts other desirable properties. the liquid from spreading.
tank voltage—the total voltage between the anode and cathode
sequestering agent—an agent that forms soluble complex
of a plating bath or electrolytic cell during electrolysis. It is
compounds with, or sequesters, a simple ion, thereby sup-
equal to the sum of: (1) the equilibrium reaction potential,
pressing the activity of that ion. Thus, in water treatment the
(2) the IR drop, and (3) the electrode potentials.
effects of hardness can be suppressed by adding agents to
sequester calcium and magnesium. See chelating agent. tarnish—corrosion products in the form of thin films or spots
that do not protrude significantly from the surface of the
shelf roughness—roughness on upward facing surfaces where
metallic coating; for example, reaction products of copper
undissolved solids have settled on parts during a plating
from oxygen or reduced sulfur.
operation.
thief—an auxiliary cathode so placed as to divert to itself some
shield, n—a nonconducting medium for altering the current
current from portions of the work which would otherwise
distribution on an anode or cathode.
receive too high a current density.
shield, v—to alter the normal current distribution on an anode throwing power—the improvement of the coating (usually
or cathode by the interposition of a nonconductor. metal) distribution over the primary current distribution on
shot blasting—blasting with small spherical objects, such as an electrode (usually cathode) in a given solution, under
metallic shot, propelled against a metallic surface. See specified conditions. The term may also be used for anodic
abrasive blasting. processes for which the definition is analogous.
shot peening—a process whereby hard, small spherical objects total cyanide—the total content of cyanide expressed as the
(such as metallic shot) are propelled against a metallic radical CN−, or alkali cyanide whether present as simple or
surface for the purpose of introducing compressive stresses complex ions. The sum of both the combined and free
into that surface, hardening it or obtaining decorative effects. cyanide content of a solution.
siliconizing—in diffusion coatings, diffusion of silicon into transference (or transport, or migration)—the movement of
solid metal at elevated temperatures. ions through the electrolyte associated with the passage of
slurry—a suspension of solids in water. the electric current.
spotting out—the delayed appearance of spots and blemishes transference number (transport number)—the proportion of
on plated or finished surfaces. the total current carried by the ions of a given kind.
8
B 374 – 06
trees—branched or irregular projections formed on a cathode age, of the equilibrium reaction potential in a given electro-
during electrodeposition especially at edges and other high chemical process to the bath voltage.
current density areas. water break—the appearance of a discontinuous film of water
tripoli—friable and dustlike silica used as an abrasive. on a surface signifying nonuniform wetting and usually
tumbling—See barrel finishing. associated with a surface contamination.
vapor deposition: wet blasting—a process for cleaning or finishing by means of
chemical—ion, induced by heat or gaseous reduction of a a slurry of abrasive in water directed at high velocity against
vapor condensing on the substrate. the work pieces.
physical—a process for depositing a coating by evaporating
and subsequently condensing an element or compound, wetting agent—a substance that reduces the surface tension of
usually in a high vacuum. a liquid, thereby causing it to spread more readily on a solid
vibratory finishing—a process for deburring and surface surface.
finishing in which the product and an abrasive mixture are whiskers—metallic filamentary growths, often microscopic,
placed in a container and vibrated. sometimes formed during electrodeposition and sometimes
void—a defective area in which a part of the basis material or spontaneously during storage or service, after finishing.
underlayer is visible after final coating. work (plating)—the material being plated or otherwise fin-
voltage efficiency—the ratio, usually expressed as a percent- ished.
DEFINITIONS RELATING SPECIFICALLY TO PLATING ON PLASTIC SUBSTRATES
cleaning—the removal of unwanted materials, such as mold surface to act as sites for initial stages of deposition.
release agents. post-nucleation—the step where, if necessary, the catalyst is
conditioning—the conversion of a surface to a suitable state converted to its final form. This is the final step prior to
for successful treatment in succeeding steps. electroless plating.
nucleation—the preplating step in which a catalytic material, sensitization—the absorption of a reducing agent, often a
often a palladium or gold compound, is absorbed on a stannous compound, on the surface.
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9

ASTM B374 Standard Terminology Relating To Electroplating

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ASTM B374 Standard Terminology Relating To Electroplating

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Endorsed by American

Designation: B 374 – 06 Electroplaters’ Society

Standard Terminology Relating to

These definitions correspond to interpretations as applied to electroplating and do not necessarily

1. Referenced Documents aluminizing—forming of an aluminum or aluminum alloy

DEFINITIONS RELATING SPECIFICALLY TO PLATING ON PLASTIC SUBSTRATES

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