What is BS 4479-2- Electroplated and autocatalytic coatings about?
BS 4479 is a series of British Standards that discusses the design of articles that are to be coated. The BS 4479 series is directed towards helping to maximize the benefit obtained from coating processes.
BS 4479-2 is the second part of the BS 4479 series that gives recommendations for the design of parts that are to be coated by electroplating or autocatalytic plating.
BS 4479-2 applies to the various techniques available for vat and barrel electroplating, selective electroplating, autocatalytic plating (commonly referred to as electroless plating, though this term is deprecated), but does not give full details of the various processes available for the plating of either metallic or non-metallic surfaces.
Note 1: Many of the basic design recommendations given are equally applicable to both metallic articles and to those manufactured from other materials, e.g. plastics.
Note 2: It is recommended that Part 1 of BS 4479 be read in conjunction with this Part. Part 1 includes a list of British Standards relating to processes covered by BS 4479 but not necessarily referred to in each Part.
Note 3: The titles of the publications referred to in BS 4479 are listed on the inside back cover.
Who is BS 4479-2 - Electroplated and autocatalytic coatings for?
BS 4479-2 on electroplated and autocatalytic coatings is useful for:
- Manufacturers of metallic articles and coatings
- Automotive manufacturers
- Heavy equipment manufacturers
- Railway and aerospace industry
- Mechanical engineers
- Chemical engineers
- Quality control bodies
Why should you use BS 4479-2 - Electroplated and autocatalytic coatings?
There is a wide variety of coating processes, developed and established industrially, intended to enhance or transform the surfaces of manufactured articles. However, time and money are often wasted because the design of many articles is unsuitable for the coating process to be applied. Coating is only one part of the manufacturing process and should not be ignored, or viewed in isolation, when considering the overall costs and quality.
In this regard, the recommendations in BS 4479-2 are intended to provide guidance towards good practice when it comes to electroplated and autocatalytic coatings.
BS 4479-2 focuses on design considerations for electroplated articles, design considerations for autocatalytically plated articles, and diagrams illustrating preferred and deprecated design features for articles to be electroplated.
The design guidance in BS 4479-2 for electroplated components can contribute to improving resistance to corrosion, enhancing aesthetical appeal and as well as the performance of engineering applications.
Thus, adopting best industry practices for the design of articles to be coated by electroplating or autocatalytic plating can play a positive role in the overall performance and service-life of the end-product.