AMS-QQ-N-290
Nickel Plating (Electrodeposited)
Covers electrodeposited nickel plating on steel, copper alloys, zinc alloys, and other specified basis metals.
What AMS-QQ-N-290 specifies
AMS-QQ-N-290D retains the Federal Specification structure for electrodeposited nickel. Class 1 is corrosion-protective plating and uses Grades A through G to set minimum nickel thickness from 0.0016 down to 0.0002 in. Class 2 is engineering plating for dimensional restoration, wear, or other functional use; its thickness and final dimensions are stated on the drawing rather than selected from the Class 1 grade table. The specification controls preparation, underplates where required, adhesion, thickness, quality, and hydrogen-embrittlement precautions for high-strength steel. It is stabilized, so it remains usable for established designs, while AMS 2403 and other specialized nickel specifications are often preferred for new applications.
AMS-QQ-N-290 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Thickness | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|---|
Class 1 Grade A | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 41 µm ≥ 1.6 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 1 Grade B | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 30 µm ≥ 1.2 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 1 Grade C | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 25 µm ≥ 1 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 1 Grade D | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 20 µm ≥ 0.8 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 1 Grade E | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 15 µm ≥ 0.6 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 1 Grade F | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 10 µm ≥ 0.4 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 1 Grade G | Corrosion-protective nickel plating. | ≥ 5 µm ≥ 0.2 mil | Thickness, adhesion, visual quality, and applicable corrosion and embrittlement requirements. |
Class 2 | Engineering nickel plating; required thickness, machining allowance, and final dimensions are specified by the drawing or order. | — | Drawing-specified thickness and dimensions, adhesion, quality, and embrittlement control. |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Thickness by approved magnetic, coulometric, X-ray, or microscopic method
- Adhesion
- Visual quality and coverage
- Hydrogen-embrittlement relief for susceptible steel
- Corrosion testing where required by service condition
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
NICKEL PLATE PER AMS-QQ-N-290 CLASS <1|2>, [GRADE <A–G> FOR CLASS 1], [CLASS 2 THICKNESS AND FINAL DIMENSIONS], [MASKING]Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
AMS-QQ-N-290 — frequently asked
What is AMS-QQ-N-290 Class 1 Grade G?
It is corrosion-protective electrodeposited nickel with a 0.0002 in, or 5.08 µm, minimum thickness.
Do Grades A through G apply to Class 2?
No. The grade table belongs to Class 1 corrosion-protective plating. Class 2 engineering plating requires drawing-defined thickness and dimensions.
Is AMS-QQ-N-290 obsolete?
Revision D is stabilized rather than cancelled. It remains available for established designs, but a current specialized AMS may be more suitable for new design.
AMS-QQ-N-290 is copyrighted by SAE International. This page explains the document so a drawing can be read; it does not reproduce the standard. Purchase the current edition from the publisher. Official source ↗