Corrosion testing

What is meant by corrosion testing?

In corrosion testing, materials or measures for corrosion protection are tested for an interaction with the environment that leads to a deterioration of the material or coatings and overlays (cf. DIN EN ISO 8044). A possible interaction can change the material or a component’s physical property and appearance or mechanically damage it. Therefore, it is tested whether metal in a specific environment reacts to, for example, temperature, moisture, acid, or other materials.

Since the factors that can cause corrosion on all materials are very diverse, there are numerous test methods according to different standards and regulations. Corrosion tests can simulate possible environmental influences in the laboratory, making it possible to see whether there is an interaction with the tested material. Common signs of typical corrosion include pitting of metals by oxidation (rust formation) or blistering of paints. Likewise, loss of material or the appearance of cracks can indicate corrosion. Materials’ climate and corrosion resistance can be examined in individual procedures or combined tests.

A frequently used corrosion testing method is the salt spray test, for which there are various procedures and standards (e.g. ASTM B117, DIN EN ISO 9227, ASTM G85). In this test, the material is sprayed with a salt solution that can cause corrosion. Other test methods for components or types of protection such as packaging include the condensation water test, the temperature-climate change test (e.g. DIN EN 60068-2-14), the friction corrosion test or the test for stress cracks and intergranular corrosion (IC) (e.g. DIN 50908, DIN EN ISO 3651-1 or SEP 1877).

Which products need corrosion testing?

Corrosion and its consequences such as material failure, material loss or cracks pose risks to people and the environment. Interactions with the environment or other materials can occur in any field. Therefore, testing materials, components, and protection types is essential for many industries, manufacturers, and application areas.

• Electrical engineering (kitchen and household appliances, electrical plug-in contacts, circuit boards, printed circuit boards), e.g. according to ISO 9227: Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres - salt spray tests, or according to EN ISO 6957: Copper and copper alloys - detection of tensile stresses - 5 % ammonia test
• Machinery, steel and plant construction (steel, stainless steel, tubes, rods, profiles, welds), e.g. acc. to ISO 3651-1: Determination of resistance to intergranular corrosion or DIN 50916-2: Testing of copper alloys; stress corrosion cracking test with ammonia
• Transport and automotive industry (chrome-plated plastic parts, badges), e.g. according to ISO 6270-2: Paints and varnishes - Resistance to some humidity or tests according to the series of standards DIN EN ISO 60068-2-XX: Environmental and climatic tests.
• Aerospace, shipbuilding (paints, gaskets, screw heads), e.g. according to DIN EN ISO 16701, DIN EN ISO 17864: Corrosion of metals and alloys.

Where can I have corrosion tests carried out?

With testxchange, you can easily commission almost any stress tests and corrosion tests according to national and international standards (DIN, EN, ISO, ASTM, IEC, CISPR, and others). Various specialised partner laboratories are used for this. We support you as an OEM, manufacturer or retailer worldwide so that you can sell safe products and components.

Thanks to our network of qualified testing laboratories, testxchange can test all materials, connections and types of corrosion protection for electrical products such as household appliances, automotive components or other components. If you are not sure which test method is necessary for your product, our in-house project engineers will help you at any time.