Metal Testing at CBE+: How We Guarantee the Quality of Electroless Nickel Plating

The salt spray testing machine being operated.

Ketersnitch Metal Testing for Electroless Nickel Plating

At CBE+, we know that when it comes to plated components, there’s no room for compromise — especially in industries where precision, performance and durability are everything. That’s why we take metal testing seriously. It can be built into our electroless nickel plating service when required and helps us make sure every part we send out meets the right spec.

Here’s a quick look at the types of testing we carry out in our in-house lab:

Adhesion Testing

A coating is only as good as its bond. We follow ASTM B571 and carry out bend tests, where the plated part is bent over a mandrel and closely inspected under 4x magnification for any peeling or flaking. It’s all about making sure the plating stays put under pressure.

Microsection Testing

This one’s all about the detail. We plate a shim alongside your part, cut it using a diamond blade (for clean, accurate results), then embed it in resin and polish it up. After a chemical etch, we take a close look under the microscope and measure the coating thickness — all calibrated to UKAS standards, in line with BS EN ISO 1463 and ASTM B487.

Microhardness Testing

Using the Vickers method (ASTM E384), we press a tiny diamond-shaped indenter into the metal surface and measure the impression. A small indentation = a harder surface. We polish, prep, and mount the samples to make sure the results are spot on.

Salt Spray Testing

Need your parts to stand up to harsh conditions? Our salt spray testing simulates salty, corrosive environments using a closed chamber — perfect for seeing how well a coating performs over time. We follow ASTM B117, so it’s all done by the book.

Moist Sulphur Dioxide (Kesternich) Testing

This test simulates exposure to acidic environments like acid rain or industrial pollution. We use a specialist chamber and follow Kesternich cycles to evaluate how well coatings resist sulphur dioxide and other corrosive gases.

All of these tests are run in our fully equipped lab by skilled technicians and follow internationally recognised standards. Whether you’re in the UK or overseas, you can count on us to deliver high-quality plated components — with testing to back it up.