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Salt Spray Testing Set-Up (3)ISO 9227 Salt Spray and Corrosion Compliance Testing

The ISO 9227 test standard evaluates the integrity of material when subjected to salt spray. As an ISO-17025 accredited test lab, we realize the importance of salt spray and corrosion testing. Meeting the ISO 9227 requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process. 

Keystone Compliance provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Our engineers take a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. Next, we expedite comprehensive reports shortly after the completion of the test. Lastly, when products do not meet the requirements, we assist with the troubleshooting process. 

Request a quote to learn why we are one of the country’s fastest-growing compliance test labs. Ready to get started? We are. Contact us to see why so many companies work with Keystone each year to achieve their environmental standard test needs.

Summary of ISO 9227 Salt Spray and Corrosion Testing

The ISO 9227 regulatory compliance test evaluates the resistance of corrosion of metallic materials when subjected to neutral and acidic salt spray. This standard specifically assesses neutral salt spray, acetic acid salt spray, and copper-accelerated acetic acid salt spray.

Additionally, the standard ISO 9227 test method describes the methods to evaluate the corrosivity of the test-cabinet environment.

Note that the salt spray test is notably useful for detecting discontinuities. This includes pores and other defects in certain metallic, organic, anodic oxide, and conversion coatings.

The acetic acid salt spray test is also useful for testing decorative coatings of copper, nickel, and/or chromium.

The salt spray methods are all suitable for checking that the comparative quality of a metallic material, with or without corrosion protection is maintained. On the other hand, ISO 9227 is not used for comparative testing. The standard does not rank different materials relative to each other concerning corrosion resistance.

ISO 9227 Corrosion Testing and Salt Spray Testing Procedures

Test Specimens and Conditioning

The test specimen is selected according to the material and product being tested. Also, before testing, the units under testing must be thoroughly cleaned.

Before the test, the collection rate and other test conditions are checked.

These conditions consist of a temperature of 35C to 50C. The average concentration rate for a horizontal collecting area of 80cm2 is 1.5ml/h. The concentration of sodium chloride will be roughly 50g/l. Lastly, the pH will range from 3.1 to 7.2 for the respective spray test.

The average rate of collection is measured over a minimum period of 24 hours of continuous spraying.

Test Program

The period of testing is generally designated by the standard. When this is not the case, recommended exposure times are 2, 6, 24, 48, 168, 240, 480, 720, and 1,000 hours.

During the test, it is crucial that spraying must not be interrupted. The cabinet is opened only for brief visual inspections and for replenishing the salt solution.

Three different methods are used to evaluate the corrosion of a cabinet. These include the Neutral Salt Spray test (NSS), Acetic Acid Spray test (AAS), and the Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray test (CASS). Each test has different guidelines for atmospheric pressure, temperature, and sodium chloride concentration.

At the end of the test period, the specimen is removed from the cabinet. Next, it is dried for 30 minutes to an hour. This is done before rinsing the product to reduce the risk of removing corrosion. The spray residue is removed from the specimen.

Test Report

Lastly, different criteria for the evaluation of the test results are compiled into a report. The test report will indicate the outcome of the test according to the respective standard criteria. The information encompassed within the report also contains the following. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

  • Photographic records
  • Type and purity of salt and water used
  • A description of the material or product being tested
  • Dimensions and shape of the test specimen
  • Known characteristics of any coating
  • The number of test specimens subjected to the test
  • The method used to clean the test specimen
  • The duration of the test and the results of any intermediate inspections
  • Result of the corrosion rate

Expert ISO 9227 Regulatory Salt Spray Compliance Testing

In addition to ISO 9227 corrosion and salt spray testing, Keystone has an extensive scope of expertise including EMC/EMI, package, and mechanical testing. What sets us apart from other NRTLs is Keystone’s ability to assist in the troubleshooting process.

Request a quote to see why so many companies trust Keystone with their regulatory compliance testing needs.