Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive
(Hard Chrome Plating)

by Randy Taylor, Advanced Tooling Corporation
August, 2007

X-ray vs. SEM testing

Q. We are getting mixed results on our plating thickness tests. Plating is 55 microinches of Type II Gold over 220 Microinches electroless nickel. Base metal is 360 Brass.

Can you tell me which of the 2 testing methods listed below is more accurate? X-Ray or Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A. X-rays provide non-destructive thickness checks by giving you an average value over a wide swath. The equipment requires calibration and interpretation.

SEM? I'm assuming that your equipment requires a photo-micrograph cross section of the coating on parts or specimens from which a measurement is taken.

I would presume that, albeit destructive, SEM which provides a direct visual measurement is the most accurate.

 

 

 


The information contained in this site is provided for your review and convenience. It is not intended to provide legal advice with respect to any federal, state, or local regulation.
You should consult with legal counsel and appropriate authorities before interpreting any regulations or undertaking any specific course of action.

Please note that many of the regulatory discussions on STERC refer to federal regulations. In many cases, states or local governments have promulgated relevant rules and standards
that are different and/or more stringent than the federal regulations. Therefore, to assure full compliance, you should investigate and comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulations.