How Pacorr’s Salt Spray Chamber Ensures Compliance with ASTM B117 & ISO 9227

Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to the durability and performance of metals and coated surfaces across various industries. From automotive and aerospace to marine and construction, manufacturers must ensure their products can withstand prolonged exposure to humid, saline, and corrosive environments. To achieve this, Pacorr offers cutting-edge Salt Spray Chambers, enabling industries to conduct accelerated corrosion testing in a controlled environment.

These chambers simulate harsh conditions, allowing manufacturers to analyze how coatings, paints, and metallic components react to corrosion over time. By implementing rigorous salt spray testing, companies can enhance product quality, extend lifespan, and meet global standards like ASTM B117, ISO 9227, and JIS Z 2371.

What is a Salt Spray Chamber?
A Salt Spray Chamber, also known as a Salt Fog Tester, is a laboratory instrument designed to conduct accelerated corrosion testing on metals, coated surfaces, and other materials. It works by creating a fine mist of saltwater solution (NaCl) in a temperature-controlled chamber, simulating real-world corrosive conditions. The exposure period can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the material and required standard.

Industries rely on salt spray testing to evaluate the efficiency of protective coatings, paints, anodized layers, and metal alloys. This test helps in determining the lifespan and durability of a product when exposed to saline or high-moisture conditions.

How Does a Salt Spray Chamber Work?

• Preparation of Test Specimen: The material sample is placed inside the chamber, ensuring that it follows the required test standard.
• Salt Solution Preparation: A mixture of 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution is prepared and maintained at a pH range of 6.5 to 7.2 for neutral salt spray tests.
• Chamber Environment Control: The internal temperature is maintained at 35°C (95°F), as per ASTM B117 standards.
• Continuous Salt Fog Exposure: The chamber releases a fine salt mist, ensuring that all test specimens receive uniform exposure.
• Test Duration & Monitoring: Depending on material requirements, the exposure time may range from 24 hours to over 1000 hours.
• Evaluation of Results: After the test cycle is complete, the material is analyzed for signs of corrosion, rust formation, blistering, and coating degradation.

Types of Salt Spray Chambers
1. Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) Chamber
A Neutral Salt Spray Chamber is the most widely used type for coating and surface evaluation. It follows ASTM B117, JIS Z 2371, and ISO 9227 standards, providing a continuous salt mist to test the corrosion resistance of metallic coatings, zinc plating, and anodized surfaces.

2. Cyclic Salt Spray Chamber
Unlike conventional NSS chambers, a Cyclic Salt Spray Chamber allows for multiple environmental conditions, including:

• Salt fog exposure
• Humidity cycles
• Drying periods
• Temperature fluctuations

This advanced testing method replicates real-world environmental exposure, making it highly useful for automotive, marine, and aerospace applications.

3. Cyclic Corrosion Test Chamber
A Cyclic Corrosion Test Chamber (CCT) offers the most comprehensive corrosion testing by simulating natural environmental cycles such as:

• Acidified salt spray (AASS)
• Humidity & condensation testing
• Temperature cycling with controlled air drying

This type of chamber is ideal for testing high-performance coatings and materials used in extreme conditions, such as marine vessels, aircraft, and defense equipment.

Key Features of Pacorr's Salt Spray Chambers
Pacorr manufactures state-of-the-art Salt Spray Test Chambers, ensuring precision, reliability, and compliance with international testing standards. Key features include:

• Corrosion-Resistant Construction: Built with high-quality polymer materials to withstand long-term salt exposure.
• Automated Digital Control System: Advanced touchscreen interface for easy programming and monitoring.
• Uniform Salt Fog Distribution: Ensures even exposure across all test specimens.
• Customizable Test Cycles: Ability to conduct neutral, cyclic, and accelerated tests as per industry standards.
• Safety Features: Includes overheating protection, water level monitoring, and pressure regulation systems.

Applications of Salt Spray Testing in Different Industries
1. Automotive Industry

• Evaluates corrosion resistance of metallic coatings, chassis parts, and fasteners.
• Ensures long-term durability of automotive paints and protective layers.

2. Aerospace Industry

• Critical for testing aircraft components, fuselage coatings, and structural alloys.
• Helps in developing corrosion-resistant lightweight materials for improved performance.

3. Marine & Offshore Industry

• Assesses corrosion resistance of marine-grade steel, ship hull coatings, and offshore structures.
• Essential for verifying performance of anti-corrosion paints used in seawater environments.

4. Electrical & Electronics Industry

• Ensures corrosion protection of PCB boards, circuit connectors, and enclosures.
• Prevents performance failure due to environmental exposure in coastal areas.

5. Construction & Infrastructure

• Tests durability of metal frameworks, roofing sheets, and architectural coatings.
• Helps in ensuring long-term resistance to atmospheric pollution and moisture.

Understanding the ASTM B117 Standard for Salt Spray Testing
ASTM B117 is the most widely followed international standard for salt spray testing. It defines key parameters such as:

• Salt Solution Composition: 5% NaCl solution with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.2.
• Temperature Control: Maintained at 35°C (95°F).
• Test Duration: Varies from 24 hours to over 1000 hours, depending on material type.
• Fog Collection Rate: 1-2 mL per hour to ensure uniform exposure.

By meeting ASTM B117 and other global standards, Pacorr’s Salt Spray Chambers deliver highly accurate and repeatable results, making them a trusted solution for industrial corrosion testing.

Why Choose Pacorr’s Salt Spray Test Chambers?

• Proven Accuracy: Engineered for consistent and reliable corrosion testing.
• Customizable Solutions: Available in various chamber sizes and configurations.
• Compliance with Global Standards: Meets ASTM B117, ISO 9227, and JIS Z 2371.
• Robust & Durable Design: Constructed using corrosion-resistant materials for extended operational life.
• Cost-Effective & Low Maintenance: Designed for energy efficiency and long-term durability.

Corrosion testing is a critical process for ensuring the longevity and performance of industrial materials. Pacorr’s Salt Spray Chambers provide highly precise, standardized, and reliable solutions for evaluating coatings, metal alloys, and protective layers against salt-induced corrosion.

By investing in a high-quality salt spray test chamber, manufacturers can enhance product reliability, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. For more details on Pacorr’s advanced corrosion testing solutions, explore our product range today!