{"id":442,"date":"2026-04-04T17:57:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T17:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/?post_type=dienstleistung&p=442"},"modified":"2026-09-21T07:56:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T07:56:49","slug":"salt-spray-test","status":"publish","type":"dienstleistung","link":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/en\/dienstleistungen\/salzspruehnebelpruefung\/","title":{"rendered":"Salt spray test"},"content":{"rendered":"

The use of the salt spray test in corrosion protection testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Corrosion is a widespread problem that affects materials and structures. It can lead to significant damage, financial losses and safety risks. In sectors such as the automotive, transport, aviation, construction and maritime industries in particular, effective corrosion protection is of great importance in ensuring the durability and reliability of materials and products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to assess corrosion resistance and facilitate the selection of suitable corrosion protection measures, the salt spray test \u2013 also known as the salt spray test or salt mist test \u2013 was developed in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227. This standard defines the test conditions for the best-known test method in the field of corrosion protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With our state-of-the-art salt spray chambers, we offer you a fast and reliable testing service for your components in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227 and ASTM B117. Our chambers also allow for the testing of large-format samples up to 2 m in length. In addition, we carry out cyclic corrosion tests in accordance with current standards, including those from the automotive industry such as VDA 621-415, PV 1209 and PV 1210, which include the salt spray test or salt spray chamber test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standardised test methods for corrosion protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main objective of DIN EN ISO 9227 is to establish standardised test methods for corrosion protection. By defining objective test procedures, the standard ensures that results can be compared. It specifies the conditions under which materials are to be tested in order to determine their suitability for various environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note, however, that the results obtained in the test procedures set out in DIN EN ISO 9227 cannot be directly applied to the actual resistance of materials in real-world conditions. Corrosion protection testing in controlled laboratory environments is designed to assess relative corrosion behaviour and to test materials under accelerated conditions. Actual conditions can vary considerably, including the composition of the environment, temperature, humidity and other factors that may influence corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What the standard leaves open<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

DIN EN ISO 9227 does not specify the requirements that components must meet. This applies both to the duration of the test and to the evaluation procedures carried out following the test.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Test procedures in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DIN EN ISO 9227 defines three different test methods for corrosion protection testing: the neutral salt spray test (NSS test), the copper-accelerated acetic acid salt spray test (CASS test) and the acidic salt spray test (AASS test).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NSS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salt spray test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The salt spray test (NSS test) is the best-known test method and is used to assess the corrosion resistance of materials. In this test, a pH-neutral saline mist is generated and applied to the materials under test. The presence of chlorides significantly accelerates corrosion, and ordinary steel corrodes within a very short time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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AASS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acidic salt spray test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The acidic salt spray test (AASS test) is a further development of the NSS test. In this test, an acidic component \u2013 usually acetic acid \u2013 is added to the salt spray to make the corrosion conditions more severe. This method is used in particular to accelerate the corrosion of aluminium and aluminium alloy surfaces. These would need to be tested for significantly longer in the neutral salt spray test in order to obtain relevant results. The additional acceleration enables time-saving and cost-effective testing of aluminium and aluminium alloy surfaces compared with the neutral salt spray test.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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CASS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copper-accelerated salt spray test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The copper-accelerated salt spray test (CASS test) is another test method in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227. In the CASS test, copper salts are added to the test solution to accelerate corrosion even further. This corrosion test enables a faster assessment of the corrosion resistance of materials and is frequently used in the automotive and aerospace industries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The acidic salt spray test (AASS test) is a further development of the NSS test. In this test, an acidic component \u2013 usually acetic acid \u2013 is added to the salt spray to make the corrosion conditions more severe. This method is used in particular to accelerate the corrosion of aluminium and aluminium alloy surfaces. These would need to be tested for significantly longer in the neutral salt spray test in order to obtain relevant results. The additional acceleration enables time-saving and cost-effective testing of aluminium and aluminium alloy surfaces compared with the neutral salt spray test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possible analyses following DIN EN ISO 9227<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once the salt spray test has been completed, the components subjected to the test are assessed. Although DIN EN ISO 9227 does not set out any specific requirements in this regard, it refers to possible methods that may be usefully applied. The most common of these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visual inspection for the presence of corrosion products:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This involves checking whether any signs of corrosion are visible on the component. This is particularly applicable to electroplated components.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optical evaluation in accordance with ISO 4628:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The ISO 4628 series of standards enables the visual assessment of coated surfaces following a salt spray test. These evaluation methods are frequently used on painted components and quantify, for example, blistering, rust formation or delamination at the scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Degree of blistering:<\/strong> ISO 4628-2 enables the assessment of the degree of blistering on coated surfaces. This involves determining the extent of blistering, with both the number and size of the blisters being taken into account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Degree of rust:<\/strong> ISO 4628-3 provides a rating system for assessing the degree of rust on coated surfaces. The degree of rust formation is rated on a scale from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no rust formation and 5 indicates severe rust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Disclaimer at the Ritz:<\/strong> If a scratch is made on the coating prior to the test, the delamination can be assessed in accordance with ISO 4628-8 once the test is complete. This involves assessing how far the coating can be peeled away from the scratch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n

    03<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cross-hatch test in accordance with ISO 2409:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    ISO 2409 defines the cross-hatch test as a method for assessing the adhesion of a coating to a substrate following exposure to salt spray.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Four steps to a test report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    \n

    01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Make an enquiry<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Please describe your component and the relevant standard \u2013 using the form, in any format. You may also attach supporting documents such as drawings or specifications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Agree on the scope of the audit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Together, we determine the test method (NSS, CASS or AASS), the test duration and the evaluation method \u2013 the standard itself does not specify either of these.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    03<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Carry out the test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Your test samples undergo NSS, AASS or CASS testing in our chambers \u2013 with test parameters monitored on a daily basis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    04<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Analysing & reporting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    We evaluate the components under load in accordance with the agreed procedure and document the test conditions and results in the test report.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Frequently asked questions about the salt spray test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    What is the salt spray test in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The salt spray test \u2013 also known as a salt spray test or salt mist test \u2013 is the best-known accelerated testing method in the field of corrosion protection. Test specimens are exposed to a defined salt mist within a chamber. The standard specifies the test conditions for this, thereby ensuring comparable results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are the differences between the NSS, AASS and CASS tests?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The NSS test uses a neutral sodium chloride solution. In the AASS test, the same solution is acidified with acetic acid. The CASS test also contains copper(II) chloride and is carried out at an elevated temperature \u2013 it accelerates corrosion to the greatest extent. The AASS and CASS tests are primarily used for decorative coatings and anodised aluminium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How long does a salt spray test take?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    DIN EN ISO 9227 does not specify a test duration \u2013 this is determined by the relevant factory standard or specification and can range from a few hours to several thousand hours. We will provide you with a binding timeframe in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Does the salt spray test provide any indication of the service life in the field?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Not directly. The results obtained in a controlled laboratory environment cannot be directly applied to actual durability in real-world conditions. The test is designed to assess relative corrosion behaviour and to compare materials under accelerated conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What sample sizes can be tested?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Our salt spray chambers can also accommodate large-scale samples up to 2 metres in length \u2013 from fasteners to complete assemblies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How are the samples assessed after the examination?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Common methods include optical analysis for corrosion products, visual assessment in accordance with ISO 4628 (degree of blistering, degree of rust, loss of adhesion on scratch test) and the cross-hatch test in accordance with ISO 2409. Which method is appropriate depends on the component and the relevant standard \u2013 we can advise you on this.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Effective testing of corrosion protection systems: You will find out just how resilient your coating system really is, before the component itself is put to the test in the field. We carry out testing using state-of-the-art salt spray chambers in accordance with the most recognised corrosion protection methods \u2013 NSS, AASS and CASS \u2013 all under one roof.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":428,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"Salzspr\u00fchnebeltest nach DIN EN ISO 9227 | IFO","_seopress_titles_desc":"Salzspr\u00fchnebeltest nach DIN EN ISO 9227 und ASTM B117: Wir pr\u00fcfen die Korrosionsbest\u00e4ndigkeit Ihres Schichtsystems in modernen Salzspr\u00fchnebelkammern.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_searchwp_excluded":""},"class_list":["post-442","dienstleistung","type-dienstleistung","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dienstleistung\/442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dienstleistung"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/dienstleistung"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ifo-gmbh.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}