ASTM B242-99(2014)e1

1.1 This guide is intended as an aid in establishing and maintaining a preparatory cycle for electroplating on high-carbon steel (Note 1) producing a minimum of hydrogen embrittlement and maximum adhesion of the electrodeposited metal. For the purpose of this guide, steels containing 0.35 % of carbon or more, and case-hardened low-carbon steel, are defined as high-carbon steels. There is no generally recognized definite carbon content dividing high from low-carbon steels for electroplating purposes.

Note 1: Electroplating of plain high-carbon steel introduced problems not found in similar operations on low-carbon steel. During the cleaning and electroplating cycle, high-carbon steel differs from low-carbon steel in regard to its greater tendency to become embrittled and the greater difficulty in obtaining maximum adhesion of the electrodeposit. The preparation of low-carbon steel for electroplating is covered in Practice B183.