What does copper accelerated acetic acid salt spray test (CASS test) mean?
The Copper Accelerated Acetic Salt Spray (CASS) test is a method discovered in 1945 that involves adding acetic acid to the saline solution used in the salt spray test. This method is more corrosive than the common salt spray test method.
The Copper Accelerated Acetate Salt Spray (CASS) test is also known as the Salt Spray Test.
The copper accelerated acetic acid salt spray test is a standardized test used to check the corrosion resistance of coated samples.
This test is a form of accelerated corrosion testing that produces corrosion on covered samples to predict the suitability of protective coatings. Corrosion products such as oxides are evaluated after a period of time. The duration of the test depends on the type of corrosion-resistant coating. Therefore, the higher the corrosion resistance of the coating, the longer it takes to observe signs of corrosion.
This type of testing is widely used because it is:
fast
Cost-effectiveness
repeatable
Good standardization
However, there is only a small correlation between the duration of the test and the life expectancy of the coating, especially in the case of galvanized steel that involves thorough drying cycles for durability. Nonetheless, the test is commonly used in various sectors of industry for the evaluation of the corrosion resistance of finished parts and surfaces.
Coating types that can be evaluated by the copper accelerated acetate spray test include:
Phosphate surfaces (use continuous primers, paints, rust inhibitors, varnishes)
Copper, tin, nickel, chrome plating
Zinc flakes and other coatings for non-electrolytic applications
Zinc alloy and ordinary galvanized
organic paint
This test is widely used in industrial environments. Great for repetitive service evaluations, development and research, and manufacturing controls. Specifically, it was developed for electroplated, decorative chrome/nickel and chrome/nickel/copper.
Utilize this test to improve the quality of plated parts and create finer plating processes.
