Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Salt Spray Time vs. Real Life

I am trying to find out if there is a correlation between the amount of time a part lasts in a salt spray cabinet has any relevance to the amount of time a part will last in the real world. A rough rule of thumb would even be helpful.

Thanks.

Dan S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Tualatin, Oregon, USA
2001

---

Dan - This is by far the most popular question asked regarding salt spray testing. The test is a process control tool. Meaning--if a part, when properly cleaned, pretreated, painted, etc, lasts 1000 hours in salt spray, if it does not, it is an indicator to check the process line. There is no correlation between the number of hours in salt spray and years in the "real world". Refer to the latest ASTM B117 for more info.

Cynthia L. Meade
- Sylvania, Ohio, USA
2001

---

Dan,

I echo Cynthia's comments. There is no correlation between salt spray and real life. In addition, different corrosion tests do not correlate to each other. To determine engineering specifications, I suggest using historical requirements and make increases or decreases from there.

Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan
2001