Electrodeposits of lead and lead-tin alloys on steel and ferrous alloys are produced where it is desired to obtain atmospheric corrosion resistance. Deposits of lead and lead-tin alloys on steel have shown to have excellent corrosion protective qualities in atmospheric exposure, especially when under-coated by a thin deposit of copper (or nickel). Applications of lead and lead-tin alloy deposits include the following: protection from dilute sulfuric acid; lining of brine refrigeration tanks; chemical apparatus; and parts for storage batteries; and for coating bearing surfaces. In this last application, lead is electroplated alone, or as an alloy and coated with another metal, such as indium. The indium may be diffused into the lead or lead alloy by heat treatment. See Appendix X1.

This specification establishes the requirements for electrodeposited lead and lead-tin alloy coatings on steel and ferrous alloys. Sheets, strips, or wires in the unfabricated form are not covered here. Coatings shall be sampled, tested, and conform accordingly to specified requirements as to thickness, adhesion, corrosion resistance, hydrogen embrittlement, composition, workmanship, finish, and appearance.

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for electrodeposited coatings of lead and lead-tin alloys on steel and ferrous alloys. The coatings of lead-tin alloys are those that range in tin content up to but not exceeding 15 mass %. The coatings ranging between 3 and 15 mass % in tin content are known also as “terne” metallic electrodeposits.

1.2 This specification does not apply to sheet, strip, or wire in the unfabricated form.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 11, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.