How To Conduct a Salt Spray Test?

Salt spray testing is a corrosion resistance test that helps product manufacturers check how well their products resist rust and corrosion. This test is so important for electrical products, construction materials, and household appliances. You can explore this post to learn how to conduct a salt spray test in a lab. Here we go!

Introduction to Salt Spray Testing

Salt spray testing is an essential corrosion test or environmental testing method. It helps to identify corrosion resistance properties of materials, especially metals and coated surfaces. In this method, a product is evaluated in harsh environmental conditions. Experts expose it to a fine salt mist in a controlled environment. With the help of the salt spray testing method, manufacturers can build a product that withstands rust and can be used for automotive, industrial, and construction applications. 

How To Conduct a Salt Spray Test?

Salt spray tests involve many types of evaluation methods that experts perform based on the requirements of their clients. The type of salt spray testing you need depends on the product being tested and its material or coating. Below, we have covered the top 4 key methods for the salt spray test:

Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSS)

Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSS) is the common salt spray testing method that involves spraying a saltwater solution (5% NaCl) inside a chamber at a constant temperature. With this approach, you can get to know how quickly metal-coated products start to rust. Neutral Slat Spray test is the ideal method for painted, plated, or bare metal items to test basic corrosion resistance. Some of the products that require NSS testing are automotive components, coated panels, hardware tools, and electrical enclosures.

Acetic Acid Salt Spray Test (AASS)

The Acetic Acid Salt Spray (AASS) test is a crucial corrosion testing method to reveal the corrosion resistance property of a product. In this evaluation, a team of testing experts perform the process inside environmental test chambers. They add acetic acid to the salt solution to make it more aggressive. The purpose is to make the environmental solution harsher. 

The best testing laboratory mainly uses this method for decorative coatings like copper-nickel-chrome platings. Chrome-plated parts, bathroom fittings, decorative hardware, and automotive trims are the products that require the acetic acid salt spray test. 

Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray (CASS)

Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Spray (CASS) is a stronger version of the AASS test. This corrosion testing method is designed for product manufacturers who want fast and intense testing of rust resistance. CASS testing includes exposing copper chloride in the solution to speed up corrosion. It is ideal for high-performance coatings on automotive parts, chrome plating, and other metal finishes. You can connect with a laboratory testing facility to perform this test on your product.

Cyclic Corrosion Testing (CCT)

Cyclic corrosion testing (CCT) method involves passing your product through real-world environmental testing conditions. A testing team expose your product to salt spray, drying, and humidity. Its is more advanced and provides a more realistic simulation of real-world conditions compared to continuous salt spray tests. 

CCT is used for automotive and outdoor products where changing environmental conditions affect materials. With the help of this method, you can get a better understanding of the corrosion properties of your product.

Instruments Required for Salt Spray Test

When you contact a testing lab, they use special equipment to perform the salt spray test on your product. This makes the entire test accurate, safe, and the results are available in the expected time. If you want to know about them, these instruments are the most important:

Salt Spray Chamber (Test Chamber)

A salt spray chamber (test chamber) is one of the most essential systems to perform the test. It is the place where the entire test is conducted. The salt spray chamber creates a controlled environment by spraying a saltwater mist on the samples. The chamber maintains specific temperature and humidity levels to simulate harsh conditions. With the salt spray chamber, you can understand how long products can resist rust and corrosion. Walking around with a salt spray chamber will benefit you, as you can safely test your products and expect better results.

Air Compressor

An air compressor also plays an important role in salt spray testing. It is a device required to provide air pressure to create salt spray mist inside the chamber. With the help of an air compressor, you can create a fine fog by pushing air through the salt solution. The pressure must be constant to ensure consistent test results. Without this, the salt spray system will not function properly.

Solution Reservoir (Salt Solution Tank)

Solution reservoir (Salt Solution Tank) is a tank that experts use to keep the prepared salt solution (usually 5% sodium chloride). Solution reservoir holds a clean and properly mixed solution to ensure accurate testing. 

Final Words

Nowadays, salt spray testing is useful because it checks how well a product can resist rust and corrosion. Product manufacturers approach testing lab for comprehensive testing. This helps in ensuring product quality, better coating options, and meeting industry standards. By applying this testing method to your product, you get the confidence to produce large quantities of products without worrying about the quality and corrosion resistance properties.