AMS 2404 Electroless Nickel Plating Updated

AMS 2404, Plating, Electroless Nickel, has been revised.  The new Revision H is available now from Document Center Inc. in both paper format and for pdf download.  The standard was originally issued in 1957 and is a mainstay of the plating industry.  The new Revision H results from the usual SAE 5 year review process.  It has a number of changes you’ll need if you use this specification.

AMS 2404 provides users with the requirements for electroless nickel deposited on various materials.  It is frequently used for intricate shapes, to improve wear and corrosion resistance, and for improved solderability on selected materials.  It can handle service in hot environments.

I reviewed the release of the previous (and now obsolete) Revision G back in 2013 when it was published.  You’ll find it at New AMS 2404 Revision G Released. If you’re currently using this spec, you’ll be interested in the changes that have been made in Revision H.

AMS 2404 H has updates in these sections:

  • 3.4.1 – Thickness determination
  • 3.5 – Quality
  • 4.2.2 – Periodic tests
  • 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 – Adhesion
  • 4.3.1.6 – Adhesion test specimen configuration
  • 4.3.2.2 – Adhesion test sampling
  • 8.13 – Consolidated reference of AMS-C-26074

As you may remember, the AMS 2404 is one of the replacement documents for the well-used MIL-C-26074.  The section 8.13 (reference above) discusses the prior versions of the various publications that are now replaced by AMS 2404.  There are also two tables provided for you.  The first correlates the 4 classes of AMS-C-26074 (and MIL-C-26074) with the 4 classes of AMS 2404.  The second correlates the thickness requirement of both.

How can you get your copies of this new AMS Specification?  SAE standards are covered by copyright.  Use Document Center Inc., an authorized distributor, for your purchase.  You can search for and order them at our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Here is a direct link to the order page for AMS 2404 for your convenience.

If you’d like to know more about Document Center and our services for standards users, please get in touch.  We can be reached by phone (650-591-7600) and email (info@document-center.com).  We have been selling standards since 1982, so you’ll find us to be knowledgeable about many of the questions you may have.  Find out why so many companies make us their Standards Experts!

 

What does “Noncurrent” mean for AMS Standards?

Here at Document Center, we often are asked very specific questions about standards.  Just yesterday, a client asked me about the AMS 2405.  He wanted to know what “Noncurrent” meant in the title.

“Do you remember the use of the phrase ‘Inactive for New Design’ in Mil Specs and Standards?” I queried.  And of course, because this customer has been doing business with us since the 1980’s, he certainly did.  “Noncurrent is the SAE equivalent status.”

However there are some subtle differences in the two terms.  A noncurrent standard is not recommended for new design, but still can be used.  A document that is inactive for new design cannot be used for new design.

So the AMS 2405 has not been recommended for new design since 2000, when SAE released the notice of noncurrent status  as AMS 2405 Revision C.  We looked to see if SAE had suggested another standard for new design, but no.   Our closest match was the AMS 2404.

It is not uncommon for standards users not to fully understand the administrative terminology that is used to describe the document by the issuing agency.  If you ever have any questions about the status of a particular document, please get in touch with us.  There are many situations where this type of confusion can negatively impact your business.

You can always use the Document Center webstore at www.document-center.com to place your orders and look up information on the standards you need.  But you can also contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com) with any questions you may have.

AMS-C-26074 on Electroless Nickel Coatings has been cancelled

AMS-C-26074 Cancellation Revision C has just been issued.  Titled “Electroless Nickel Coatings,” the specification covers the requirements for electroless (autocatalytic chemical reduction) deposition of nickel-phosphorous alloy coatings on metal and composite surfaces.

The document replaced MIL-C-26074 for all users except for NAVSEA Nuclear personnel.  With this cancellation, users are directed to AMS-2404 for replacement purposes and AMS-2404 or AMS-2433 for new design.  The table on the first page of the cancellation revision lists the correlation information to match the classes and grades of AMS-C-26074 with AMS-2404.

As we blogged about before, the AMS-C-26074 was generated to replace MIL-C-26074 and was taken directly from the source document.  After the release of AMS-C-26074 Revision A, the specification was cancelled in favor of the reinstated MIL-C-26074 Revision E.  The mil spec was then replaced by MIL-DTL-26074 Revision F which is a controlled distribution document for NAVSEA use only.  So the AMS-C-26074 was reinstated as a replacement for the balance of users with the release of Revision B.

Since that time, AMS-2404 has been updated to resolve issues of technical equivalency.  So at last the AMS-C-26074 has been put to bed!

Both the current and obsolete AMS documents are available from Document Center Inc., as well as the MIL Specs (with the exception of controlled distribution documents).  Order the current editions directly on our website (www.document-center.com) or ask for a quote on the obsolete revisions.  That way, we’ll be able to confirm that you recognize obsolete documents are no longer valid and provide you with pricing as well.   Or feel free to contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).

 

The Plating Spec Poster – A handy tool for plating and coating specialists

Techplate’s Plating and Anodizing Specifications Chart is a handy wall chart developed to summarize a variety of frequently referenced plating specs.

The 2006 Edition covers a wide variety of metals and coatings.  Various classes are covered, along with thicknesses, and applications.  It’s 18 inches wide by 24 inches high, so it’s easy to post and reference.

Here is a list of some of the coatings covered and specs that apply:

Anodic Coatings MIL-A-8625
Black Chromium Plating MIL-DTL-14538
Black Oxide Coating MIL-DTL-13924 and AMS-2485
Cadmium Plating AMS-2700 and ASTM-B766
Chemical Conversion Coatings MIL-DTL-5541
Chromium Plating AMS-2460
Chemical Finish Black MIL-F-495
Copper AMS-2418
Electroless Nickel Coatings AMS-2404 and AMS-C-26074
Electropolish ASTM-B912
Gold Plating ASTM-B488 and AMS-2422
Lubricant, Solid Film MIL-PRF-46010
Magnesium Anodic Treatment AMS-M-45202 and ASTM-D1732
Magnesium Chromic Treatment AMS-M-3171
Nickel Coatings AMS-QQ-N-290 and AMS-2403
Passivation Treatments AMS-2700
Light Phosphate Coating TT-C-490
Heavy Phosphate Coating MIL-DTL-16232
Salt Bath Nitride AMS-2753
Silver Plating ASTM-B700
Sulfamate Nickel MIL-P-27418
Tin Coatings ASTM-B545
Tin Lead Plating AMS-P-81728
Vacuum Cadmium Plating AMS-C-8837
Zinc ASTM-B633
Zinc Alloy Plating ASTM-B840 and ASTM-B841