ASTM B689
Standard Specification for Electroplated Engineering Nickel Coatings
Specifies electrodeposited nickel coatings for functional engineering applications rather than decorative nickel-chromium systems.
What ASTM B689 specifies
ASTM B689 governs engineering nickel electrodeposits used for buildup, electronics, underplating, joining, wear, and other functional service. Type 1 excludes hardeners, brighteners, and stress-control additives; Type 2 permits codeposited additions for hardness, grain refinement, or stress control at moderate temperature; Type 3 contains dispersed hard particles for elevated-temperature wear. Thickness classes 5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 state the minimum nickel thickness in micrometres, while Class X is purchaser-defined. Drawings should state type, class, significant surfaces, finish allowance, and required adhesion, porosity, hardness, or embrittlement controls.
ASTM B689 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Thickness | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|---|
Type 1 | Nickel without hardeners, brighteners, or stress-control additives. | — | Composition/process control and applicable performance tests. |
Type 2 | Nickel with additions for hardness, grain refinement, or internal-stress control. | — | Hardness, heat resistance, and applicable tests. |
Type 3 | Composite nickel containing dispersed hard particles for wear above 325 °C. | — | Composition and wear-related qualification. |
Classes 5, 25, 50, 100, 200 | Minimum nickel thickness equals the class number in micrometres. | 5–200 µm 0.2–7.9 mil | Thickness and adhesion. |
Class X | Purchaser-specified thickness. | — | Specified thickness and agreed tests. |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Thickness
- Adhesion
- Porosity when specified
- Hardness and heat resistance by type
- Hydrogen-embrittlement relief and testing for susceptible steel
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
ENGINEERING NICKEL PLATE PER ASTM B689, TYPE <1|2|3>, CLASS <5|25|50|100|200|X>, <FINISH SIZE>Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
Finishes specified to ASTM B689
ASTM B689 — frequently asked
What does ASTM B689 Class 50 mean?
It requires at least 50 µm of engineering nickel on significant surfaces. Maximum thickness or final size should be added for precision buildup.
Is B689 electroless nickel?
No. It covers electrolytic engineering nickel; ASTM B733 covers electroless nickel-phosphorus.
Which type is general-purpose nickel?
Type selection depends on permitted additives and required deposit properties. State the type rather than relying on a generic bright-nickel shop process.
ASTM B689 is copyrighted by ASTM 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 ↗