Engineering

Standards
Engineering Standard Number
Name COATING,ELECTROLYTIC ZINC

MATERIALS SPECIFICATION 74018

Identifier
(SURFACE,COATED)

1. Scope
This specification establishes requirements for an electrolytic zinc coating with a chromate
conversion treatment, with or without sealer, applied to iron or steel parts.

Coatings supplied to this specification shall not contain hexavalent chromium [chromium (VI)
salts].

2. Applicable Documents
Applicable documents listed below may be obtained from the respective organizations listed in
CES 10054, Standards Organizations Addresses.

a. ASTM B 117, Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus

b. ASTM B 487, Measurement of Metal and Oxide Coating Thickness by Microscopical
Examination of a Cross Section
c. ASTM B 571, Qualitative Adhesion Testing of Metallic Coatings
d. ASTM D 6492, Detection of Hexavalent Chromium On Zinc and Zinc/Aluminum Alloy
Coated Steel
e. CES 10054, Standards Organizations Addresses
f. CES 10056, Glossary

3. Definitions
There are no unique definitions in this standard. Terms used in this standard that have a general
definition for usage in Cummins Engineering Standards are defined in CES 10056, Glossary.

4. Specifications
4.1. Significance and Use

4.1.1. This specification establishes requirements for an electrodeposited zinc coating with a
trivalent chromium or non-hexavalent conversion treatment and an optional sealing treatment for
improved corrosion protection. A sealing treatment is recommended for all parts and may be
required to meet salt spray performance requirements.

4.1.2. This specification is intended for iron and steel parts which require mild to moderate
corrosion protection.

Current Release Number Std. Revision Level

112021-024 003 Page 1 of 3
CUMMINS CONFIDENTIAL
This document (and the information shown thereon) is CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY and shall not be disclosed to others in hard copy
or electronic form, reproduced by any means, or used for any purpose without written consent of Cummins Inc.
 Engineering
Standards
Engineering Standard Number
Name COATING,ELECTROLYTIC ZINC

MATERIALS SPECIFICATION 74018

Identifier
(SURFACE,COATED)

4.1.3. This coating is effective in preventing galvanic corrosion of steel fasteners that contact
magnesium or aluminum components.

4.1.4. This coating is not recommended for severe abrasion conditions or where chip
resistance is required.

4.1.5. This coating is not recommended for use on high strength or case hardened steel or iron.
The use of electroplating for steels having a tensile strength of 1000 MPa or greater or hardness of
32 HRC or greater is not recommended, unless the risk of hydrogen embrittlement is evaluated and
considered acceptable for a given application and engineering requirement.

4.2. Coating Requirements

4.2.1. The coating shall be electrodeposited zinc with a trivalent (non-hexavalent) chromate
conversion coating with an optional sealing treatment. The sealing treatment may be omitted only
if corrosion requirements per Section 4.2.2. on page 2 are met without the additional treatment.

4.2.2. Parts shall not exhibit zinc or base metal corrosion products after exposure to a 96 hour
salt spray in accordance with ASTM B 117. The appearance of corrosion products visible to the
unaided eye at normal reading distance shall be cause for rejection except that white corrosion
products at the edges of specimens shall not constitute failure.

4.2.3. Total coating thickness shall be 8 micrometers minimum when determined in

accordance with ASTM B 487.

4.2.4. The coating shall be zinc with a clear, silvery chromate coating.

4.2.5. Parts coated per this specification shall be capable of passing testing per ASTM D 6492
without exhibiting pink color when evaluated after one hour of exposure to the indicator solution.

4.3. Additional Requirements

4.3.1. Coated parts shall have a continuous, total coverage of zinc.

4.3.2. Prior to zinc coating, the parts shall be thoroughly cleaned to ensure complete adhesion
of the coating and provide corrosion resistance for the intended usage. The cleaning solutions and
cleaning method shall not be detrimental to the coating or the part being coated.

4.3.3. After each surface treatment process, parts shall be free of all chemical salts, residues
and any other substance detrimental to the part or coating.

Current Release Number Std. Revision Level

112021-024 003 Page 2 of 3
CUMMINS CONFIDENTIAL
This document (and the information shown thereon) is CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY and shall not be disclosed to others in hard copy
or electronic form, reproduced by any means, or used for any purpose without written consent of Cummins Inc.
 Engineering
Standards
Engineering Standard Number
Name COATING,ELECTROLYTIC ZINC

MATERIALS SPECIFICATION 74018

Identifier
(SURFACE,COATED)

4.3.4. Unless otherwise specified on the drawing, finish dimensions in the plated areas apply
after plating and any subsequent finishing operation(s).

4.3.5. The plating shall be smooth, fine grained, adherent, and free from blisters, pits, nodules,
indications of burning and any other detrimental defects.

4.3.6. Adhesion

The coating shall not exhibit separation from the base metal at the interface. Determination of
adhesion shall be by any suitable procedure in accordance with ASTM B 571.

4.3.7. Stress Relief

Prior to cleaning and electroplating, steel parts having a ultimate tensile strength of 1000 MPa or
greater or hardness of 32 HRC or greater and that have been machined, ground, cold formed or cold
straightened, shall be stress relieved at a minimum of 190 °C (374 °F) for a minimum of 3 hours
at temperature.

4.3.8. Hydrogen Embrittlement

All electroplated parts having a tensile strength of 1000 MPa or greater or hardness of 32 HRC or
greater shall be baked at a minimum of 190 °C (374 °F) for a minimum of 3 hours at temperature
within 4 hours after electroplating to provide hydrogen embrittlement relief. Electroplated springs
and other parts subject to flexure shall not be flexed before the hydrogen embrittlement relief
treatment. The baking treatment shall be done before the application of any supplementary
treatment.

Current Release Number Std. Revision Level

112021-024 003 Page 3 of 3
CUMMINS CONFIDENTIAL
This document (and the information shown thereon) is CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY and shall not be disclosed to others in hard copy
or electronic form, reproduced by any means, or used for any purpose without written consent of Cummins Inc.