Salt Spray Test
A salt spray test places samples in a controlled salt mist to accelerate corrosion. It can compare finishes or check a stated requirement, but it cannot predict a fixed service life. Agree on the purpose and acceptance criteria before starting.
Before the test
Section titled “Before the test”Record the substrate, finish system, sample preparation, included edges and rack points, evaluation areas, sampling and failure criteria. The plan may differ when comparing two finishes, checking a customer specification or monitoring batch consistency.
During and after the test
Section titled “During and after the test”Use the approved temperature, solution, duration and method. Record the condition before and after the test, including base-metal corrosion, coating corrosion, blistering, staining and edge effects. Retain the inspection times, photographs, equipment details and decision.
Read the result carefully
Section titled “Read the result carefully”Salt spray testing provides an accelerated laboratory comparison. Humidity, sweat, cleaning chemicals, rubbing, assembly gaps and maintenance affect actual performance, so test hours cannot be converted directly into service life. Evaluate the result together with electroplating checks, functional inspection and the intended environment.
If a sample fails, hold the affected lot and check whether the cause is preparation, operation or the finish system. Record the finding in Quality traceability and corrective action.
Reference photos
Related topics
Section titled “Related topics”Surface finishing selection · Colour difference · Hardware inspection and testing