Designation: B 200 – 85 (Reapproved 2004)

Standard Specification for

Electrodeposited Coatings of Lead and Lead-Tin Alloys on
Steel and Ferrous Alloys1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 200; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope B 499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thick-

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for electrode- nesses by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on
posited coatings of lead and lead-tin alloys on steel and ferrous Magnetic Basis Metals
alloys. The coatings of lead-tin alloys are those that range in tin B 504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Me-
content up to but not exceeding 15 mass %. The coatings tallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method
ranging between 3 and 15 mass % in tin content are known also B 507 Practice for Design of Articles to Be Electroplated on
as “terne” metallic electrodeposits. Racks
1.2 This specification does not apply to sheet, strip, or wire B 567 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
in the unfabricated form. by the Beta Backscatter Method
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the B 568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
test method portion, Section 11, of this specification: This by X-Ray Spectrometry
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, B 571 Practice for Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user Coatings
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health B 602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- Inorganic Coatings
tions prior to use. B 697 Guide for Selection of Sampling Plans for Inspection
of Electrodeposited Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
B 117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus 3.1 Definitions—Definitions of the terms used in this speci-
B 183 Practice for Preparation of Low-Carbon Steel for fication are in accordance with Terminology B 374.
Electroplating 4. Classification
B 242 Practice for Preparation of High-Carbon Steel for
Electroplating 4.1 The coating designation shall comprise the following:
B 320 Practice for Preparation of Iron Castings for Electro- 4.1.1 The chemical symbol for the basis metal.
plating 4.1.2 The chemical symbol for the undercoating of copper
B 322 Practice for Cleaning Metals Prior to Electroplating or nickel, if used.
B 339 Specification for Pig Tin 4.1.3 The chemical symbol Pb representing lead or the
B 374 Terminology Relating to Electroplating symbol Pb Sn for the lead-tin alloy. When tin is present, the tin
B 487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide content of the coating will appear before the symbol Sn. For
Coating Thicknesses by Microscopical Examination of a example, Pb 5 Sn refers to a coating having the minimum
Cross Section composition 5 mass % tin, remainder lead.
4.1.4 A number indicating the minimum thickness of the
coating in micrometres (µm). This minimum thickness shall be
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on 6, 12, 25, or 40 µm, and shall apply to all significant surfaces
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee specified in 8.2.2 and 8.3.1.
B08.08.04 on Soft Metals.
Current edition approved April 1, 2004. Published April 2004. Originally
4.2 Examples:
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as B 200 – 85 (1999). 4.2.1 Fe-Pb-5-Sn-40 represents a lead-tin alloy coating
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or having 5 mass % tin content, remainder lead, on a ferrous basis
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM metal. The thickness is 40 µm minimum.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 B 200 – 85 (2004)
4.2.2 Fe-Cu-Pb-6 represents a lead coating on a ferrous as nearly as possible to those affecting the significant surfaces
basis metal with a copper strike. The thickness is 6 µm of the articles represented. Unless a need can be demonstrated,
minimum. separately prepared specimens shall not be used in place of
production items for nondestructive and visual examinations.
5. Sampling 6.2 Thickness and Adhesion Specimens— If separate speci-
5.1 Lot—An inspection lot is defined as a collection of mens for thickness and adhesion tests are required, they shall
finished articles that are of the same kind, that have been be strips approximately 25 mm wide, 100 mm long, and 1 mm
produced to the same specification, that have been coated by a thick.
single supplier at one time or at approximately the same time 6.3 Corrosion Resistance Specimens— If separate speci-
under essentially identical conditions, and that are submitted mens for corrosion resistance tests are required, they shall be
for acceptance or rejection as a group. panels not less than 150 mm long, 100 mm wide, and
5.2 Selection—A random sample of the size required by approximately 1 mm thick.
Test Method B 602 shall be selected from the inspection lot 6.4 Hydrogen Embrittlement Specimens— If specimens are
(see 5.1). The articles in the lot shall be inspected for required, the configuration shall be that specified by the
conformance to the requirements of this specification and the purchaser.
lot shall be classified as conforming or nonconforming to each
requirement according to the criteria of the sampling plans in 7. Significance and Use
Test Method B 602.
7.1 Electrodeposits of lead and lead-tin alloys on steel and
NOTE 1—Test Method B 602 contains three sampling plans that are to ferrous alloys are produced where it is desired to obtain
be used with nondestructive test methods and a fourth to be used with atmospheric corrosion resistance. Deposits of lead and lead-tin
destructive test methods. The three methods for nondestructive tests differ
alloys on steel have shown to have excellent corrosion protec-
in the quality level they require of the product. Test Method B 602
requires use of the plan with the intermediate quality level unless the tive qualities in atmospheric exposure, especially when under-
purchaser specifies otherwise. The purchaser should compare the plans coated by a thin deposit of copper (or nickel). Applications of
with his needs and state which plan is to be used. If the plans in Test lead and lead-tin alloy deposits include the following: protec-
Method B 602 do not serve the needs, additional ones are given in Guide tion from dilute sulfuric acid; lining of brine refrigeration
B 697. tanks; chemical apparatus; and parts for storage batteries; and
NOTE 2—When both destructive and nondestructive tests exist for the for coating bearing surfaces. In this last application, lead is
measurement of a characteristic, the purchaser needs to state which is to
be used so that the proper sampling plan is selected. Also, a test may
electroplated alone, or as an alloy and coated with another
destroy the coating in a noncritical area; or, although it destroys the metal, such as indium. The indium may be diffused into the
coating, the tested article might be reclaimed by stripping and recoating. lead or lead alloy by heat treatment. See Appendix X1.
The purchaser needs to state whether the test is to be considered
destructive or nondestructive. 8. Ordering Information
5.3 Separate Specimens—If separate specimens are to be 8.1 When ordering articles to be electroplated in accordance
used to represent the finished articles in a test, the specimens with this specification, the purchaser shall state the coating
shall be of the nature, size, number, and be processed as designation (see Section 4), the minimum thickness on signifi-
required in 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. cant surfaces, in addition to the ASTM designation number and
year of issue.
6. Specimen Preparation
8.2 If necessary, the purchaser shall include on his part,
6.1 Electroplated Parts or Separate Specimens—When the drawings, or purchase order the following:
electroplated parts are of such form, shape, size, and value as 8.2.1 Electroplating application to high-strength steel, if
to prohibit use thereof, or are not readily adaptable to a test specified (see 9.2.2).
specified herein, or when destructive tests of small lot sizes are 8.2.2 Location of significant surfaces, to be shown on part
required, the test shall be made by the use of separate drawing, or by the provision of a suitably marked sample.
specimens plated concurrently with the articles represented.
8.2.3 Hydrogen embrittlement test, if required (see 6.4).
The separate specimens shall be of a basis metal equivalent to
8.2.4 Sample size for inspection, if other than specified (see
that of the articles represented. “Equivalent” basis metal
Section 5).
incudes chemical composition, grade, condition, and finish of
surface prior to electroplating. For example, a cold-rolled steel 8.2.5 Supplementary requirements, if applicable (see
surface should not be used to represent a hot-rolled steel Supplementary Requirements).
surface. Due to the impracticality of forging or casting separate 8.2.6 Separate test specimens, if permitted (see 6.1).
test specimens, hot-rolled steel specimens may be used to 8.2.7 Certification, if required (see Section 13).
represent forged and cast-steel articles. The separate specimens 8.3 The manufacturer of the basis metal parts should pro-
may also be cut from scrap castings when ferrous alloy castings vide the supplier of the coating facility, with the following
are being electroplated. These separate specimens shall be data:
introduced into a lot at regular intervals before the cleaning 8.3.1 Hardness or tensile strength of steel parts (see 9.2.2
operations, preliminary to electroplating of specimens, includ- and 9.2.3).
ing the spacing, plating media, bath agitation, and temperature, 8.3.2 Heat treatment for stress relief, whether or not it has
in respect to other objects being electroplated, shall correspond been performed or is required.

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 B 200 – 85 (2004)
9. Coating Requirements racking, or both. The thickness requirements of this specification are
minimum, (see Table 2). Variation in the finish thickness from point to
9.1 Composition—The coating compositions shall be as point on a coated article is inherent in electroplating. Therefore, the finish
specified in Table 1. thickness will have to exceed the specified value at some points on the
9.2 Process—Lead and lead-tin alloy coatings shall be significant surfaces to ensure that it equals or exceeds the specified value
produced by electrodeposition in aqueous solution of salts. For at all points. In most cases, the average finish thickness on an article will
the preparation of ferrous metal surfaces necessary to assure be greater than the specified value; how much greater is largely deter-
good deposit, adhesion, and quality, see Practices B 183, mined by the shape of the article (see Practice B 507) and the character-
istics of the plating process. In addition, the average finish thickness on
B 242, B 320, and B 322.
articles will vary from article to article within a production lot, Therefore,
9.2.1 A copper or nickel strike, 2.5 µm thick, may be if all of the articles in a production lot are to meet the thickness
employed and is desirable (see X1.1.2). requirement, the average finish thickness for the production lot as a whole
9.2.2 Steel parts with ultimate tensile strengths greater than will be greater than the average necessary to assure that a single article
1050 Mpa (approximately 32 HRC) and that have been meets the requirement.
machined, ground, cold-formed, or cold-straightened shall be 9.5 Corrosion Resistance—Lead and lead-tin coatings shall
stress relieved before processing by heat treating for 5 h at 190 show neither corrosion products of lead (or lead-tin) nor basis
6 15°C. Steel parts having an ultimate tensile strength greater metal corrosion products at the end of the test period, (see
than 2350 MPa (approximately 50 HRC) shall not be coated Table 2), when tested by continuous exposure to salt spray in
with lead or lead-tin alloys by electrodeposition. accordance with 11.4. The appearance of corrosion products
9.2.3 Steel parts with ultimate tensile strengths greater than visible to the unaided eye at normal reading distance shall be
1125 MPa (approximately 35 HRC) and greater, shall be heat cause for rejection except that corrosion products at the edges
treated within 4 h after plating to remove hydrogen embrittle- of specimens shall not constitute failure.
ment. The heat treatment shall be at least for 3 h at 190 6
15°C. NOTE 5—Corrosion is defined as the presence of more than 66 rust
spots per square metre, or more than two rust spots in an area less than 3
9.2.4 Defects and variations in appearance in the finish that square decimetres, or rust spots larger than 1.6 mm in diameter.
arise from surface conditions of the substrate (for example,
scratches, pores, roll marks, inclusions, etc.) and that persist in 10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
the finish despite the observance of good metal-finishing 10.1 The surface of the electroplated article shall be uniform
practices shall not be cause for rejection. in appearance and free of visible coating defects, such as
NOTE 3—Applied finishes generally perform better in service when the blisters, pits, roughness, nodules, burning, cracks, or unplated
substrate over which they are applied is smooth and free of torn metal, areas, and other defects that will affect the function of the
inclusions, pores, and other defects. It is recommended that the specifi- coating. However, superficial staining that results from rinsing
cations covering the unfinished products provide limits for these defects. or slight discoloration from any drying or baking operation to
A metal finisher can often remove defects through special treatments such
as grinding, polishing, abrasive blasting, chemical etching, and electropol-
relieve hydrogen embrittlement, shall not be cause for rejec-
ishing. However, these are not normal in the treatment steps preceding the tion. On articles where a visible contact mark is unavoidable,
application of the finish. When they are desired they shall be the subject its position shall be that chosen by the purchaser. The electro-
of agreement between the buyer and the seller. plated articles shall be clean and free of damage.
9.3 Thickness—The minimum thickness on significant sur-
11. Test Methods
faces shall be 6, 12, 25, or 40 µm, as designated by the
purchaser (see 8.1). 11.1 Composition—The lead-tin alloy coating deposit may
9.4 Significant Surfaces—Significant surfaces are defined as be weighed and then analyzed for one of the metals. Lead
those normally visible (directly or by reflection) or are essential content may be determined and the tin calculated by difference,
to the serviceability or function of the article; or can be the for 1 g sample:
source of corrosion products or tarnish films that interfere with ~1 2 L!
the function or desirable appearance of the article. When Tin % 5 A 3 100 (1)
necessary, the significant surfaces shall be indicated on the
drawings of the parts, or by the provision of suitably marked Mass % Tin 5 S L
D
W 2 W 3 100 (2)
samples.
where:
NOTE 4—When significant surfaces are involved on which the specified L = weight of lead in sample, and
thickness of finish cannot be readily controlled, it will be necessary to
A = weight of lead-tin alloy in sample.
apply greater thickness on the more accessible surfaces, to use special
W = 1g

TABLE 1 Lead-Tin Alloy Coating Composition

Element Mass % TABLE 2 Lead and Lead-Tin Alloy Coatings on Ferrous Alloys
Tin (Sn) Up to 15 max
Thickness, min µm Salt Spray Resistance, h
Lead (Pb) Remainder
Other metals and nonmetallics 1.0 max 40 200
Lead Coating Composition 25 96
Lead 99.0 12 48
Other metals and nonmetallics 1.0 max 6 24

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 B 200 – 85 (2004)
11.1.1 A sample of the deposit can be obtained by plating on length of time to be applicable for the coating thickness shall
a stainless steel panel from which the coating can be peeled or be in accordance with the requirements of Table 2.
by employing any recognized stripping method. The alloy 11.5 Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief— When specified in
composition of the deposit can be determined by methods such the contract or purchase order, prepare and test the satisfactory
as gravimetric or volumetric analysis, density measurements, behavior of parts to indicate freedom from hydrogen embrittle-
atomic absorption, spectrophotometry, X-ray fluorescence, and ment.
beta backscatter. In addition, the alloy composition produced 11.6 Visual Examination—Examine material for compli-
by a plating solution may be obtained by comparing the weight ance with the requirements of Section 10 after electroplating.
of a coating deposited by a given number of ampere-hours to
12. Rejection and Rehearing
the weight of a lead coating produced in a lead coulometer in
series with the plating bath. 12.1 Articles that fail to conform to the requirements of this
11.2 Thickness—The thickness of the coating may be deter- Specification may be rejected. Rejection shall be reported to
mined by Test Methods B 487, B 499, B 504, B 567, and the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of
B 568. The method used shall be applicable for the coating dissatisfaction with the results of a test, the producer or
material and thickness specified. supplier may make a claim for a hearing.
13. Certification
NOTE 6—The thickness range of some of these methods may not
include the specified thickness or the method may require the knowledge 13.1 The purchaser may require in the purchase order or
of the coating composition or density. contract that the producer or supplier give to the purchaser
certification that the finish was produced and tested in accor-
11.2.1 Other methods may be used if it can be determined
dance with this Specification and found to meet the require-
that the uncertainty of the measurement is less than 10 %.
ments. The purchaser may similarly require that a report of the
11.3 Adhesion—Determine adhesion by any suitable proce- test results be furnished.
dure in accordance with Practice B 571.
11.4 Corrosion Resistance—When specified in 8.2, deter- 14. Keywords
mine the corrosion resistance in accordance with Test Method 14.1 electrodeposited coatings, lead and lead-tin alloys;
B 117. Subject the selected samples to the salt spray test; the lead/lead-tin alloy on steel/ferrous alloys

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirement shall apply only when specified by the purchaser as part
of the purchaser’s order or contract and for all agencies of the United States government.

S1. Responsibility for Inspection unless disapproved by the purchaser. The purchaser retains the
S1.1 The producer or supplier shall be responsible for the right to perform any of the inspections and tests set forth in this
performance of all inspection requirements as specified herein. specification where such inspections and tests are deemed
Except as otherwise specified in the contract or order, the necessary to ensure that supplies and services conform to the
supplier may use his own or any other facilities suitable for the prescribed requirements.
performance of the inspection requirements specified herein

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. GUIDE TO SELECTION OF COATING THICKNESS

X1.1 Corrosion Protection: greater than 9 years under industrial conditions. Under marine
X1.1.1 The results of atmospheric exposure tests on unal- conditions, for example, at the lot at Kure Beach, life expect-
loyed lead coatings are given in Table X1.1. Tests completed ance of a 19-µm coating with a copper strike is 4 to 6 years.
under the auspices of ASTM3 show that a 19-µm coating of Under rural conditions, life expectancy of a 19-µm coating
lead, electroplated directly on steel, has a life expectancy (with copper strike) is 7.5 to 9.5 years. Tests conducted at
ASTM sites for the International Lead Zinc Research Organi-
zation, Inc., on lead coatings produced from a lead fluoborate
3
electrolyte with hydroquinone as an addition agent, showed
DuRose, A. H., “Atmospheric Exposure of Electroplated Lead Coatings on
Steel,” Symposium on Properties, Tests and Performance of Electrodeposited comparable results and also confirmed the beneficial effect of
Metallic Coatings, ASTM STP 197, ASTM, 1956. a copper strike.

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 B 200 – 85 (2004)
TABLE X1.1 Atmospheric Exposure Tests on Lead-Plated SteelA (Expected Life in Years)
Coating Thickness
Coating Industrial Marine Rural ReferenceB
µm mil
Lead 6.5 0.25 <2 <2 <2 1
1.3 µm (0.05 mil) 6.5 0.25 >1–2 3–4 3–4 1
Cu strike plus lead

Lead 6.5 0.25 6–>9 <0.8–1.5 <0.8–1.0 2

0.25 µm (0.01 mil) 6.5 0.25 7–>9 1.3–3.0 1.3–3.0 2
Cu stbike plus lead

0.25 µm (0.01 mil) 13 0.50 9–>9 3.3–4.0 2.0–4.0 2

Cu strike plus lead
0.38 µm (0.015 mil) 13 0.50 >9 3.5–4.0 5.0–7.0 2
Cu strike plus lead

Lead 19 0.75 >9 3.5–4.0 5.0–7.6 2

0.38 µm (0.015 mil) 19 0.75 >9 4.0–6.0 7.5–9.5 2
Cu strike plus lead

Lead 25 1.00 >9 4.0–7.0 6.0–8.4 2

0.38 µm (0.015 mil) 25 1.00 >9 5.0–10.0 >10 2
Cu strike plus lead

Hot-dipped Pb 10 0.40 7–9 0.8–4.0 1.0–8.0 2

Lead 25 1.0 >5 >5 >5 3

Lead 50 2.0 >5 >5 >5 3
A
Additions of tin up to 15 % do not adversely affect the corrosion resistance of the coatings.
B
Ref 1—Program of the International Lead Zinc Research Organization, Inc.—5 years exposure. The ILZRO investigation was based on the use of fluoborate
electrolytes with the addition agent hydroquinone.
Ref 2—ASTM program, 1944 Exposure Tests—Plated lead coatings.
Ref 3—ILZRO test in progress.

X1.1.2 The effect of a copper strike on atmospheric corro- anticipated. The use, for corrosion protection, of coatings less
sion protection is shown by the data in Table X1.1. In than 12 µm thick is limited to indoor applications or to special
industrial, marine, and rural atmospheres, there is a significant situations owing to the possibility of damage during handling
improvement in corrosion resistance if a copper strike of and possible increased porosity.
minimum thickness 0.25 µm is used. X1.1.5 The atmospheric corrosion resistance of lead-tin
X1.1.3 Exposure to sulfuric acid and other aggressive in- alloy coatings is not adversely affected by additions of tin up to
dustrial chemicals may require coating thicknesses of 40 µm 15 mass %.
and greater. Where there are exceptionally aggressive condi-
tions or where mechanical damage is possible, then lead X1.2 Where a nickel strike is employed, overheating during
coating thicknesses between 125 and 250 µm may be required. any joining operation may cause hot shortness and cracking of
X1.1.4 Resistance to corrosion from less severe atmo- the nickel coating, from contamination by the lead and in the
spheric conditions than those considered in X1.1.1 can be lead or lead-tin alloy plate.
achieved with lead coatings 12 µm thick. Coatings less than 12
µm thick will normally be used in conjunction with paint X1.3 Lead-tin alloy (93 % Pb − 7 % Sn) is used for coating
coatings, etc., where exposure to an aggressive atmosphere is bearing surfaces.

X2. SUGGESTIONS FOR MEETING THE SPECIFICATIONS AS TO THICKNESS AND QUALITY OF THE COATINGS

X2.1 Ensure that the basis metal is properly cleaned. X2.5 Filteration should be continuous.
X2.2 Use anodes of high purity such as 99.99 % of lead for X2.6 Agitation should be employed. Lead baths should be
lead plating. Grade A tin (see Specification B 339) and high- agitated continuously to prevent concentration and temperature
purity lead for the alloy anodes. gradients in the solution.

X2.3 Alloy anodes should not be left in the bath unless X2.7 A carbon treatment during bath preparation is recom-
current is flowing. If this precaution is not observed, tin will be mended to remove organic impurities.
deposited from the bath onto the anode, and subsequently, it X2.8 Demineralized (or deionized) water should be used
will flake off to cause roughness in deposition. for the last rinse prior to plating to prevent chloride and sulfate
contamination.
X2.4 To avoid buildup of impurities, work pieces should
not remain in the bath unless current is flowing. X2.9 When hydroquinone is used as an addition agent,

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 B 200 – 85 (2004)
about 48 h are required at room temperature to allow an X2.11 Maintain an inspection department, using the test
equilibrium between quinone and hydroquinone to be estab- methods prescribed in this specification in order to trace
lished. If this is not done, there may not be adequate grain immediately the source of irregularities. On jobs running
refinement, and treeing may be excessive with thick deposits. continuously over any length of time, the quality of the
coatings on each part should be checked at least twice every
X2.10 Maintain regular control of all solutions and inspect
shift after initial difficulties have been overcome.
the equipment at regular intervals, paying special attention to
electrical contacts and accuracy of instruments.

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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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