ISO 19487:2016 - Electrodeposited nickel‑ceramics composite coatings
Overview
ISO 19487:2016 specifies requirements and a consistent methodology for electrodeposited nickel‑ceramics composite coatings applied to ferrous and non‑ferrous basis metals for engineering purposes. The standard covers nickel‑based composite systems in which nickel content is at least 40 vol.% (nickel alloys/composites with less than 40 vol.% nickel are excluded). It defines designation rules, inspection and test requirements, and guidance to ensure reproducible performance of nickel‑ceramic electroplated coatings.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and designation
- Applies to electrodeposited nickel‑ceramics composite coatings used in engineering applications.
- Example designation format: ISO 19487‑Ni30/SiC(25) - nickel‑SiC composite, 30 μm thickness, 25 vol.% SiC.
- Appearance and surface roughness
- Coatings must be smooth and free from visible defects (pits, cracks, blisters, non‑coated areas).
- Ground finishes: typical commercial finish values are referenced (e.g., 0.4 μm Ra).
- Thickness
- Minimum local thickness is specified in the designation and measured at any point touchable by a 20 mm diameter ball unless otherwise agreed.
- Typical electroplated thickness range: about 5 μm to 200 μm, measured using methods in Annex A.
- Mechanical and integrity tests
- Hardness measured per ISO 14577 (instrumented indentation).
- Adhesion tested by bend, file or thermal shock tests per ISO 2819.
- Porosity assessed with hot water or modified ferroxyl tests and rated per ISO 10289.
- Stress relief and hydrogen embrittlement: heat treatments required for high‑strength steels (UTS ≥ 1 000 MPa) following ISO 9587/9588.
- Other considerations
- Topics covered include sampling, peening, internal stress, ductility, and the use of special test specimens when destructive tests are impractical.
- Annex B provides typical compositions and operating conditions for Watts and nickel‑sulphamate baths.
Applications
ISO 19487 supports practical uses where wear, corrosion resistance, or tailored surface properties are needed:
- Cutting tools (semiconductor tooling), piston rings, cylinder bores, automotive pins
- Heat exchangers, glass moulds, machine elements and tools
- Electronics, micro‑system components, acoustic parts, and decorative finishes
- Any application requiring reproducible nickel‑ceramic electroplated coatings with controlled hardness, thickness and porosity
Who uses this standard
- Electroplaters and coating suppliers specifying process controls and test methods
- Purchasing engineers and quality managers who require clear coating designations and acceptance criteria
- Design and materials engineers in automotive, aerospace, tooling, electronics and industrial manufacturing
Related standards
ISO 19487 references several normative standards for testing and measurement, including:
Keywords: ISO 19487, electrodeposited nickel‑ceramics, nickel‑ceramic composite coatings, electroplating, coating thickness, hardness, adhesion, hydrogen embrittlement, porosity, engineering applications.