PSA PEUGEOT - CITROËN

Vehicle standards
B15 4102

ELECTROLYTIC ZINC COATINGS

AND ASSOCIATED FINISHES
SHERARDIZING PROCESS (IN BULK)

Page 1/15
This norme PARTIALLY REPLACES norm B15 4101
This is a translation, the French original shall be used in all cases of litigation Date of translation : 30/06/2009

WARNING

This PSA norme has been translated by RHN / NCF into English using the automatic translation software
Systran (approved by PSA).

Drafted by : Checked by : Approved by :

Alain COULAUD See list of Participants Pierre CHALANDON

DTI/DPMO/CIMB/IMPM/MMAL DTI/DPMO/CIMB/IMPM/MMAL

Date Signature Date Signature Date Signature

10/06/2009 - 10/06/2009 - 10/06/2009 -

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RECORDS

Suffix Date Type of modifications

OR 14/12/2001 CREATION OF THE NORME.

EDITORIAL MODIFICATIONS AIMED AT PROHIBITING CR 6 IN COATINGS

CONFORMING TO THIS NORME.
A 25/01/2006 NEW PARAGRAPH 8 ADDED.
REWRITE OF APPENDICES 1 AND 2
DETAILS ADDED TO PARAGRAPH "FINISH"
B 08/12/2006 ADDITIONS TO PARAGRAGH "SYMBOLS"
UP-DATE OF APPENDIX 1.
ADDITION OF A REQUIREMENT OF GRIP AND RESISTANCE TO
THERMAL SHOCK FOR THE PARTICULAR CASES OF THE § 7;
ENGINEERING CHANGE OF THE § 9; ENGINEERING CHANGE OF
C 30/06/2009
APPENDIX 1 AND REMOVAL OF APPENDIX 2 FOLLOWING THE
REHANDLING OF THE ACTIVITIES OF SURFACE TREATMENT OF SIDASA
BY ATOTECH

PARTICIPANTS
The following persons took part in the drafting and/or checking of this norm:
DTI/MTPI/GTN/OLCT Eric BARBER
DTI/DITV/CMON/IMV/POFI Véronique DUBOIS LE CALVEZ
DTI/DPMO/CIMB/IMPM/TLPA Jean-Claude JEANNIN,
DITV/DITV/PMXP/PEI/ACF Claire CZECHOWSKI
DTI/DITV/PMXP/MPV/IPO Régis PICHOT
DA/ORME/MEHF/&EA1 Damien THORELLE
DTI/DITV/PMXP/PENV Sophie RICHET, Laurent SARABANDO
DTI/DITV/RHN/NCF Jacques HIVERNIAU

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CONTENTS
1. OBJECT AND FIELD OF APPLICATION 4
2. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 4
2.1. NORMS 4
2.2. REGULATIONS 5
2.3. OTHER DOCUMENTS 5
2.4. EXPRESSION ON DOCUMENTS 5
3. TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITION 5
3.1. DEFINITIONS 5
3.2. ACRONYMS 5
4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 5
5. PARTS AFFECTED BY THE PROCESS – PROHIBITION AND USE LIMITS 6
6. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS 7
6.1. DEGREASING AND PICKLING 7
6.2. ELECTROLYTIC ZINC COATING (SYMBOL ZNI) 7
6.3. STRESS RELIEVING (SYMBOL D) 7
6.4. PASSIVATION (SYMBOL 3) 7
6.5. FINISH (SYMBOL P, I, R OR L) 8
7. SYMBOLS 8
8. COATING CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS 11
8.1. COATING COMPOSITION 11
8.2. ZINC NICKEL COATING THICKNESS 11
8.3. COLOUR AND APPEARANCE 11
8.4. ADHESION AND RESISTANCE TO THERMAL SHOCK 11
8.5. RESISTANCE TO SALT SPRAY (D17 1058) 12
8.6. FRICTION COEFFICIENT 12
9. CONTROL OF THE ZINC PLATING PROCESS BY THE PLATER 13
APPENDIX 1 LIST OF SUPPLIERS AND ZINC PLATING, PASSIVATION AND FINISH PRODUCTS APPROVED
BY PSA – APPROVAL BY PSA FURTHER TO TESTING ON COATED PARTS ON INDUSTRIAL LINES 15

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1.OBJECT AND FIELD OF APPLICATION

This norm:
• Replaces for new designs norme B15 4101 for zinc plated parts subjected to the sherardizing process (in bulk).
• Defines the type of electrolytic zinc-based coatings produced by the "sherardized" process or "in bulk" and used for the
anticorrosion protection of steel parts : the electrolytic zinc coating with 12 to 15% nickel in alkaline bath without
cyanide is mandatory with the exclusion of any other electrolytic zinc coating (except in specific cases
mentioned in paragraph 7).
These electrolytic zinc coatings must be exempt from any prohibited or regulated substance stated in norme B20 0250
(and in particular exempt of Cr 6).
• Defines, for these electrolytic coatings, the symbols to be used on drawings or on standard documents.
• Specifies the requirements to be met by these coatings.
• States in the Appendix the commercial references of products approved by PSA which must be used by the Suppliers
or Sub-contractors producing these coatings.

Note 1 : Lamellar zinc coating (norme B15 3320) may also be used for the anticorrosion protection of the same
parts if these parts come into the field of application of norme B15 3320.
Note 2 : The requirements of this norme should enable the PSA corrosion objectives defined in February 1999 to
be observed, in particular :
• Suitability for dismantling > 6 years.
• No Red Rust under bodywork > 3 years.
• No Red Rust under bonnet and access panels > 5 years.
Note 3 : Producing mandatory Zinc Nickel electrolytic coatings enable Cr6-based passivations to be replaced by
Cr3-based passivations (observance of the European Directive for End-Of-Life vehicles : see Note 1 of § 6.4) while
improving the resistance to corrosion on vehicle compared with pure dichromated Zinc coatings.

2.REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
2.1.NORMS
B15 3320 LAMELLAR ZINC BASED COATINGS – BULK OR TIE PROCESS
B20 0250 MATERIALS SUBJECT TO REGULATIONS - USE RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE PSA
PEUGEOT-CITROEN GROUP
C10 0054 SCREWS STUDS NUTS – APTITUDE TO FRICTION "CONTINUOUS" TEST METHOD
D17 1058 MATERIALS AND COATINGS SALT SPRAY TEST OF 5% NaCl AND METHODS OF
GRADING
D26 5316 ORGANIC COATINGS ON MAGNETIC OR NON-MAGNETIC METAL SUPPORT NON-
DESTRUCTIVE MEASUREMENT OF THE THICKNESS

ISO 1463 METALLIC COATINGS AND OXIDE LAYERS – MEASUREMENT OF THE COATING
THICKNESS – MICROSTRUCTURAL SECTION METHOD
ISO 3497 METALLIC COATINGS – MEASUREMENT OF THE COATING THICKNESS – X-RAY
SPECTROMETRY METHODS
ISO 3613 CHROMATE CONVERSION LAYERS ON ZINC, CADMIUM ET ALUMINIUM-ZINC AND
ZINC-ALUMINIUM ALLOYS – TEST METHODS

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2.2.REGULATIONS
CE 2000/53 END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

2.3.OTHER DOCUMENTS
Not applicable

2.4.EXPRESSION ON DOCUMENTS
Not applicable

3.TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITION

A dictionary (glossary) of the main terms and their definitions used within the activities of the Department "Amont
Technico-Industriel" can be consulted in-house via the glossary Nectar (http://nectar.inetpsa.com). This glossary is
constantly up-dated.

3.1.DEFINITIONS
Electrolytic zinc coating Process of electrodepositing a zinc based coating which consists of introducing parts
by the sherardizing in bulk into a perforated drum which is then immersed (in rotation) into various baths
process (in bulk) : of the zinc coating installation.
Lamellar zinc coating : Process of depositing (not electrolytically) a zinc lamellar based (and if applicable
aluminium) coating.
Chromium plating Operation which consists of immersing zinc coated parts in a chromic acid based bath
to Cr 6 to strengthen the resistance to corrosion of the coating ; this operation is from now on
(or dichromating) : prohibited as it leads to the formation of a complex chromium oxides (Cr 6) and zinc
layer. This operation has to be replaced by a passivation in Cr3 based product baths.
Plater : Supplier or sub-contractor producing the coatings.

3.2.ACRONYMS
BS : Salt Spray
CAV: Vehicle Accelerated Corrosion

4.GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Not applicable.

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5. PARTS AFFECTED BY THE PROCESS – PROHIBITION AND USE LIMITS

• Electrolytic zinc coating is a coating with the unique function of protecting parts in ferrous materials against
corrosion up to a maximum peak temperature of around 200 °C (for Zinc Nickel 12 to 15 %).
Electrolytic zinc coating must not be specified for the coating of parts :
• which are not in ferrous material,
• exposed to temperatures above 200°C,
• with a geometry incompatible with electro-deposition : for example, electrolytic zinc coating must not be
specified where it is impossible or difficult to observe the thicknesses stated in § 8.2. or on drawings (electro-
deposition is impossible in box sections).
On the other hand, Zinc Nickel coating 12 to 15% may be used for the protection of parts rubbing against each
other; a functional validation must however be carried out systematically.
Furthermore, acid pickling, electrolytic degreasing and actual electrolytic zinc coating operations have a tendency
to lead to embrittlement (hydrogen embrittlement) of steel with high mechanical characteristics, which may
cause delayed fractures on coated parts. This is the reason why :
1. Electrolytic zinc coating is prohibited :
• for any part with a tensile strength load Rm > or = 1200 Mpa, or with a Vickers hardness > or = 372 Hv.
• for safety parts with a tensile strength load Rm > or = 1000 Mpa.
• for screws, pillar screws and studs of Quality Class > or = 12.9.
• for safety fasteners of Quality Class > or = 10.9 (screws, pillar screws, studs).
• for safety nuts of Quality Class > or = 12.
Note : In the case of screws or nuts with incorporated washer, the prohibition for zinc coating is based on the
component with the highest hardness or Rm.
2. A stress relieving operation (see paragraph 6.3.) is mandatory:
• for parts with a tensile strength load Rm > or = 1000 Mpa or with a Vickers hardness > or = 310 Hv.
• for safety parts with Rm > or = 800 Mpa.
• for metallic clips and clamps
• for thread forming screws, tapping screws and screws for soft materials
• for nuts of Quality Class 12
• for fasteners of Quality Class 10.9 (screws, pillar screws, studs…)
• for safety fasteners of Quality Class 8.8 (screws, pillar screws, studs).

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6.DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS

To obtain an electrolytic zinc coating conforming to this norme, the next main steps must be observed.
6.1.DEGREASING AND PICKLING
Several chemical and/or electrolytic degreasing and pickling operations separated by water rinses must be carried
out before zinc plating.
Warning : These operations embrittle the steel to a more or less degree (Hydrogen embrittlement) and are
therefore prohibited or require a stress relieving operation : see paragraph 5.
Note : Mechanical pickling (micro ball indentation for example) may also be carried out, in particular on parts which
have been subjected to a thermal treatment.

6.2.ELECTROLYTIC ZINC COATING (symbol ZNI)

The electrolytic zinc plating must be produced from a mandatory Zinc and Nickel bath, in an alkaline medium
without cyanide. This operation and the coating obtained are represented in this norme by letters ZNI.
The Zinc Nickel thickness and the Ni content of the coating must conform with the requirements in paragraph 8.
Warning : The zinc plating operation embrittles the steel to a more or less degree (see paragraph 5). For certain
steel classes, zinc coating is prohibited; for others, a stress relieving operation is required.

6.3.STRESS RELIEVING (symbol D)

This operation which carries the symbol represented by letter D in this norme must mandatorily be carried out 4
hours maximum after removing the parts from the zinc plating bath. It may be carried out before or after the
passivation stage and before finishing.
Parts must be subjected to a temperature level of at least 200°C (temperature of the parts) for a minimum
duration of 4 hours in a ventilated oven.
Stress relieving is mandatory when letter D is shown in the symbol of the coating stated on the drawings and for
steel classes stated in paragraph 5.
Note : Lamellar zinc (Normes B15 3320) does not require a stress relieving operation as it does not embrittle the
steel providing that mechanical pickling is carried out with the exclusion of any other chemical pickling operations.

6.4.PASSIVATION (SYMBOL 3)
This operation strengthens the resistance to corrosion of the coating by delaying the corrosion of the Zinc Nickel
layer and colours or participates in the colouring of the coating.
This passivation must be carried out with products containing Chrome 3 (trivalent) when the figure 3 is shown in the
coating symbol; refer to the list of PSA product approval in the Appendix. In this case, the colour of the coating must
be a mandatory Silver (Symbol A) or exceptionally Black for Styling purposes (Symbol N).
The use of products containing Chrome 6 (hexavalent) is from now on prohibited : See norme B20 0250.
Note 1 : The European Directive 2000/53/EC of 21/10/2000 concerning End of Life vehicles (E.L.V..) prohibits from
01/07/2007 Cr6 on all component or unit of a vehicle marketed in EUROPE (except on the chassis fixing parts :
prohibition from 1/07/2008). From 1/07/2003, Cr6 in anticorrosion coatings was permitted as an exemption on
vehicles marketed in EUROPE.
Note 2 : Black passivations are at present more difficult to produce, more expensive and less performing from the
point of view of resistance to corrosion than the Silver passivations. This is the reason why they must be specified
only in exceptional circumstances.
Note 3 : The deletion of the passivation operation is being studied and has not yet been validated.

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6.5.FINISH (symbol P, I, R OR L)
This operation consists of depositing an organic, mineral or organo mineral coating of a thickness in the
order of the micron, in order to obtain a uniform colour or reinforce the colour of the coating, strengthen the
anticorrosion protection and/or confer a defined friction coefficient to the coating.

There are four possibilities

1. The application of a finish is Prohibited : Symbol P

A finish coating may be prohibited (after agreement from PSA corrosion Experts) in the following cases :
• Rubber/metal parts armatures.
• Parts which provide an electrical function (a finish always weakens the part electrically)
• Parts which provide a sealing function to fluids or which are in permanent contact with fluids (oil, anti-freeze,
brake fluid, power steering fluid, refrigerating fluid…).
Example : dish plugs, female union nuts etc.
2. The application of a finish is unnecessary but not prohibited : Symbol I
This is the case of parts fitted in the passenger compartment or under the bonnet and with very little exposure to
corrosion (housing protection for example) with the exception of multi-use parts (fasteners for example). It is the
responsibility of the PSA Corrosion Experts to decide whether the application of a finish is necessary or not.
3. The application of a Reinforced finish for anticorrosion is necessary : Symbol R
This is the case of visible parts, excluding fasteners fitted outside the passenger compartment.
4. The application of a Lubricated finish is necessary : Symbol L
The aim is to confer a given friction coefficient to the coating. This lubricated finish shall be applied to
all threaded parts. Unless otherwise specified on the drawing or on a standard document, threaded fasteners
must have a friction coefficient equal to 0.15 ± 0.03 (this friction coefficient is measured according
to norme C10 0054).
Note : Certain commercial products are formulated to reinforce protection against corrosion and also to confer to
the coating a friction coefficient equal to 0.15 ± 0.03; see list of approved products in the Appendix.

7.SYMBOLS
The designation on a drawing or on a standard document of an electrolytic zinc coating conforming to this norme
carries a symbol made of characters which specify the process to be used and the requirements to be observed.
The symbols shall include in the following mandatory order :
• Letters ZNI (which require a Zinc and Nickel electrolytic coating (12 to 15% Ni) in alkaline bath without cyanide).
• Letter D (which requires a mandatory stress relieving operation described in § 6.3. for steel classes stated in
paragraph 5). Where no letter D is mentioned, the stress relieving operation is not required.
• One of the letters A or N (which indicates the colour of the coating required by PSA).
A = Silver (Argent)
N = Black (Noir) colour
Warning : Colour N (black) must only be specified in exceptional circumstances and only for Styling requirements
(see Note 2 in § 6.4.).
• Figures 3 (indicates the required type of passivation stipulated by PSA : see § 6.4.)
3 = chrome 3 (trivalent) passivation
Note : this norme bans all Chromium 6 (hexavalent) passivation in future.

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• One of the letters P, I, R or L (indicates whether a finish coating is prohibited, unnecessary or required and the
type of coating) :
P = Prohibited finish (see § 6.5.1.)
I = Unnecessary (Inutile) finish but not prohibited (see § 6.5.2.)
R = Reinforced finish for an improved anticorrosion protection (see § 6.5.3.)
L = Lubricated finish for threaded parts (screws, nuts….) : see § 6.5.4. If the friction coefficient required varies
from 0.15 ± 0.03, this must be specified on the drawing or on the standard document.

Examples of symbols :
ZNI A3L, norme B15 4102 means a Zinc Nickel electrolytic coating (with 12 to 15% Ni) in alkaline bath without
cyanide, no stress relieving operation, Silver (Argent), with trivalent chromium (3) passivation and Lubricated finish
for a friction coefficient equal to 0.15 ± 0.03.
ZNIDA3R, norme B15 4102 means a Zinc Nickel electrolytic coating (with 12 to 15% Ni) in alkaline bath without
cyanide, with a mandatory stress relieving operation of 4 hours at 200°C minimum, Silver (Argent) colour, with
trivalent chromium (3) passivation and Reinforced finish for anticorrosion.

SPECIFIC CASES
1. Temporary protection or storage protection
When this type of protection is provided by electrolytic zinc coating, this coating is represented by the symbol ZS5.
Requirements :
• Type of coating : Pure Zinc or Zinc alloyed to Iron, Cobalt or Nickel.
• Zinc coating thickness : ≥ 5 μm (by X-ray fluorescence method, according to ISO 3497).
• Grip and resistance to thermal shock: mode of operation and requirements of the § 8.4, except temperature of
the drying oven: 200° C instead of 300° C.
• Passivation and Finish are not required unless otherwise stated on the drawing. All passivation using Chromium
6 (hexavalent) is from now on banned.
• Resistance to salt spray (D17 1058) : after 48 hours exposure, no red rust.
Note : This coating provides only a poor anticorrosion protection and must only be used for specific cases of
temporary or storage protection. It must not be carried out on steel parts which would require a stress relieving
operation (see paragraph 5).
2. Electrolytic zinc plating followed by a paint application
In this case, the electrolytic zinc coating is represented by the symbol Z 10.
Requirements :
• Type of coating : Pure zinc or zinc alloyed to Iron or Cobalt.
• Zinc coating thickness : ≥ 10 μm (by X-ray fluorescence method, according to ISO 3497). A maximum thickness
can be specified with drawing in the case of galvanized parts which are soldered by electric spot weld
after zinc-coating
• Grip and resistance to thermal shock: mode of operation and requirements of the § 8.4, except temperature of
the drying oven: 200°C instead of 300° C
• A slight passivation (white/blue-tinged) to chromium 3 is tolerated.
• Any finish is prohibited.

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3. Non-threaded parts fitted inside the passenger compartment

Rather than using nickel alloy zinc coatings (ZNI A3I or ZNI N3I with or without stress relief), these parts (with the
exception of Multi-use parts) may be coated, after agreement by PSA Corrosion Experts, and for economical
reason, by an electrolytic zinc plating represented by the symbol Z 10 FB or Z 10 FN or Z 10 DFB or Z 10 DFN.
Requirements :
• Type of coating : Pure Zinc or Zinc alloyed to Iron or Cobalt.
• Zinc coating thickness : ≥ 10 μm (by X-ray fluorescence method, according to ISO 3497).
• Grip and resistance to thermal shock: mode of operation and requirements of the § 8.4, except temperature of
the drying oven: 200°C instead of 300°C.
• Stress relieving operation (for Z 10 DFB and Z 10 DFN designations – see paragraph 5) of a minimum
duration of 4 hours at a minimum temperature of 200°C produced after zinc plating (within a minimum
time of 4 hours) and before passivation.
• Chromium 3 passivation is mandatory, of a white colour for Z 10 FB and Z 10 DFB designations or of a black
colour for Z 10 FN and Z 10 DFN designations.
• Finish unnecessary
• Resistance to salt spray (D17 1058) : after 300 hours exposure, no red rust must appear.
4. Threaded parts fitted inside the passenger compartment
Rather than using nickel alloy zinc coatings (ZNI A3L or ZNI N3L with or without stress relief), these parts (with the
exception of Multi-use parts) may be coated, after agreement by PSA Corrosion Experts, and for economical
reason, by an electrolytic zinc plating represented by the symbol Z 10 FBL or Z 10 FNL or Z 10 DFBL or Z 10
DFNL.
Requirements :
• Type of coating : Pure Zinc or Zinc alloyed to Iron or Cobalt.
• Zinc coating thickness : ≥ 10 μm (except on threads > or = 8 μm) (by X-ray fluorescence method, according to
ISO 3497).
• Grip and resistance to thermal shock: mode of operation and requirements of the § 8.4, except temperature of
the drying oven: 200°C instead of 300°C.
• Stress relieving operation (for Z 10 DFBL and Z 10 DFNL designations – see paragraph 5) of a minimum
duration of 4 hours at a minimum temperature of 200°C produced after zinc plating (within a minimum
time of 4 hours) and before passivation.
• Chromium 3 passivation is mandatory, of a white colour for Z 10 FBL and Z 10 DFBL designations or of a
black colour for Z 10 FNL and Z 10 DFNL designations.
• Lubricated finish mandatory providing (unless otherwise specified) a friction coefficient equal to 0.15 + or –
0.03 (measured according to norme C10 0054). Use preferably the commercial products listed in appendix 1.
• Resistance to salt spray (according to D17 1058) : after 300 hours exposure, no red rust must appear.

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8.COATING CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS

8.1.COATING COMPOSITION
The coatings (Zinc Nickel deposit, passivation and finish) must be carried out with commercial products which have
previously been approved by PSA as a result of various validation tests (corrosion tests in laboratory, on C.A.V.
(Accelerated Corrosion) vehicles, on natural corrosion sites). The list of approved products is shown in the
Appendix.
Ni content : the Nickel content of the Zinc Nickel coating must be between 12 and 15% in weight (test carried out
by X-ray fluorescence, according to the ISO method 3497).

Chromium 3 passivations (Symbol 3) : check that there is no Cr 6 in extraction products after immersion of zinc
coated parts in boiling water according to ISO method 3613 – 2000 ; possible traces of Cr6 must be below the
threshold indicated in norme B20 0250.

Passivation and finish products must not contain Lead or Cadmium or Mercury in order to be in conformity
with norme B20 0250; possible traces of these heavy metals must be below the threshold indicated in
norme B10 0250.

8.2.ZINC NICKEL COATING THICKNESS

Thickness is measured by X-ray fluorescence (ISO method 3497).
In litigation cases between PSA and the supplier, the thickness shall be measured by microstructural section (ISO
method 1463).
Coating thickness excluding thread : ≥ 8 μm
Coating thickness on thread : ≥ 5μm
Note 1 : Where the measuring apparatus by X-ray fluorescence is not available, the coating thickness may be
measured approximately and in certain conditions with a magnetic inductance apparatus (Test method D26 5316),
but this technique does not provide the measurement for Ni content.
Note 2 : Unless otherwise stated on the drawing, all areas on a part must have a mandatory coating with the
thicknesses required above.
The drawing must indicate the areas exempt of coating and those where the coating thickness is special.
Note 3 : Coated threaded parts must also meet the various "ring gauge" inspection : consult the specific normes
relating to each family of threaded parts.

8.3.COLOUR AND APPEARANCE

The colour of the coating must correspond to that required on the drawing or on the standard document.
The colour must be uniform over the whole part.

8.4.ADHESION AND RESISTANCE TO THERMAL SHOCK

These two characteristics are checked by placing the coated part in an oven at a temperature of 300°C ± 5°C.
As soon as the part reaches the temperature of 300°C ± 5°C, plunge the part immediately in water at a
temperature of 20°C ± 5°C for a few seconds.
Requirement : No flaking, blistering of the coating visible to the naked eye.

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8.5.RESISTANCE TO SALT SPRAY (D17 1058)

The part must be stored for a minimum of 24 hours at the temperature of 20°C ± 5°C before being dried in an oven
which must take the part to a temperature level of 120°C ± 2°C (temperature of the part) for a duration of 1 hour.
After returning the part to a temperature of 20°C ± 5°C, the part is introduced into the salt spray enclosure.
Requirements :
1. Excluding mechanically crimped areas after zinc plating :
• No white rust before 200 hours of salt spray.
Note : At 200 hours salt spray, the following is allowed :

• presence of a “white film”

• A white rust recovering less than 5% of the surface of the part
• it presence of white rust on sharp edges
• No red rust before 720 hours of salt spray

2. On the mechanically crimped areas after zinc plating :

No red rust before 720 hours salt spray
Note : white rust allowed before 200 hours salt spray
Definitions :

• White film : Very slight change in the initial colour of the coating due to white oxides showing on the coating
microcracks.
• White rust : Corrosion of the zinc coating which translates by the showing of large white oxides following the
disappearance (localised or generalised) of finish and passivation layers. The "white rust" stage has been
reached when more than 5% of the surface of the part is oxidised.

8.6.FRICTION COEFFICIENT
This requirement concerns only symbol L coating.
The measurement of the friction coefficient is carried out according to the method of operation stated in norme C10
0054.
The friction coefficient must be equal to 0.15 ± 0.03 unless a specific friction coefficient is indicated on the drawing
or on the standard document relating to the part.

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9.CONTROL OF THE ZINC PLATING PROCESS BY THE PLATER

Control of the process by the plater and the use of commercial products quoted in Appendix 1 in this norme cannot be
separated in order to meet permanently the requirements of this norme.
Since the supplier of products used in electrolytic zinc coatings is perfectly aware of the parameters and conditions of
use of his products, PSA request that he systematically and regularly audits (approximately every 2 years) the zinc
plating lines allocated to automotive products and user of his products. Conformity of the coating on the parts for each
plater with regard to the requirements of this norme shall also be verified periodically by the supplier of the products.
The plater is the only person responsible for the conformity of the coatings with regard to the requirements of this norme
towards his customers. However, the supplier must ensure that the plater is in full control of the process supplied or to
be supplied and that the installations of the plater are suitable to the products used. As such, the supplier of the products
shall forward, at PSA's request, the reports of audits and the results of the tests on parts concerning the platers supplied
by him.
PSA encourages the suppliers of products to deliver Automobile a Qualité label with the applicators which conform to the
requirements of the system of coordinates of audit of the supplier of products. When this label exists, the coatings of the
parts used by PSA must be only realized by labelized applicators.PSA shall proceed with striking off, in Appendix 1, the
supplier's products that have not complied with the various requirements.
The plater is free to change products and suppliers among those stated in Appendix 1, but before carrying out any any
modifications, the relevant line shall be audited by the new supplier of products
The file on the plater to be included with the Initial Samples shall contain the detailed range of the electrolytic zinc
coating (with the commercial references of products used), as well as the report of tests carried out by the plater proving
the conformity of the coating with regard to the requirements of this norme. Any subsequent modification to the range
shall be the subject of a new presentation of the Initial Samples.

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 PSA PEUGEOT - CITROËN
ELECTROLYTIC ZINC COATINGS B15 4102 14/15

Summary table of the requirments

Test method Characteristics Expression Value

of results
minimum maximum
Coating composition (§ 8.1)
ISO 3497 Nickel content % in weight 12 15
ISO 3613 No chromium 6 No Cr 6 required for coatings
with symbol 3 (possible traces
of Cr 6 < than threshold shown
in B20 0250)
Other heavy metals No Pb, Cd, Hg (possible traces
< than threshold shown in B20
0250)
Zinc Nickel coating thickness (§ 8.2)
ISO 3497
(or ISO 1463
Thread excluded µm 8
if litigation)
On thread µm 5
Colour and appearance (§ 8.3)

Visual Colour A = Silver

examination N = Black (for Styling)
Appearance Even colour over the whole part
Refer to Adhesion and resistance to thermal shock (§ 8.4) No flaking
procedure in -
§ 8.4 No blistering

Resistance to salt spray (§ 8.5)

D17 1058 Excluding mechanically crimped area after zinc
plating (§ 8.5.1)
Refer to White rust showing Hours 200 (1)
procedure in
§ 8.5 Red rust showing Hours 720 (2)
On mechanically crimped area after zinc plating
(§ 8.5.2)
Red rust showing Hours 720 (2)
C10 0054 Friction coefficient (§ 8.6) No unit 0,12 0,18
(this requirement concerns only coating with Or specific requirement stated
symbol L) on the drawing or standard
document

(1) At 200 hours of salt spray, the following are allowed :

• A «white film» (see definition in § 8.5)
• White rust covering at least 5% of the part surface area
• White rust on edges
(2) No red rust spot is allowed.

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 PSA PEUGEOT - CITROËN
ELECTROLYTIC ZINC COATINGS B15 4102 15/15

Appendix 1
List of suppliers and zinc plating, passivation and finish products approved
by PSA – Approval by PSA further to testing on coated parts on industrial
lines

Reference of zinc Reference Reference Reference

plating products of trivalent of reinforced finish of lubricated finish
Colour Supplier passivation products products
products
Symbol ZNI Symbol 3 Symbol R Symbol L
MAC DERMID (1)
TRIPASS ELV TNT 15
ZINKLAD 1000 ENVIRALLOY Ni 12-15 TNT 15
3000 (2 layers required)
Label ZAP

FINIGARD 105 (3)

FINIGARD 105 ou
A (Silver) COVENTYA PERFORMA 280 FINIDIP 128 (4)
FINIGARD 150 (2)
FINIGARD 150 (2)

PROTEDUR Ni 75 ou CORROSIL PLUS

ATOTECH ZINNIAL 15 ou ECOTRI ou 501 BG ou SEALER
CORROSIL AL 2007
Label AAA (5) REFLECTALLOY ZNA ZINNIFIX 3 300 WL ou
(6) CORROSIL AL 2007

FOM 302 ou
FOM 302 ou
COVENTYA PERFORMA 280 FINIDIP 728 FINIGARD 150 (2)
ou FINIGARD 150 (2)
FINIGARD 105

MAC DERMID (1)

TRIPASS ELV
N (Black) ZINKLAD 1000 B ENVIRALLOY Ni 12-15 TNT 15 TNT 15
5100
Label ZAP

PROTEDUR Ni 75 ou CORROSIL PLUS

ATOTECH ZINNIAL 15 ou CORROTRI NOIR NOIR 600 BG ou CORROSIL Noir
Label AAA (5) REFLECTALLOY ZNA ZnNi AL 2007
(6) CORROSIL NOIR
AL 2007

(1) Only the platers who have received from MAC DERMID the ZAP approval (ZINKLAD APPROVED PLATER)
may apply the MAC DERMID products on parts intended for PSA (ZINKLAD is the Quality Assurance system set
up by MAC DERMID at world level within the scope of application of the European Directive on ELV).
(2) FINIGARD 150 is the definitive trade name (allocated by the COVENTYA Company) of the finishing product
also known under the provisional names "Ex2" or "EX CCA 0509".
(3) FINIGARD 105 must not be used on new threaded parts.
(4) the FINIDIP 128 passivation must not be used for screws and studs of diameter < or = M7 which are tightened
into aluminium or which are in contact under the head with aluminium; in this case it is advisable to use the black
passivation FINIDIP 728 (with FINIGARD 150 or FOM 302 finishes).

(5) Only the applicators which received or which are in the course of obtaining, on the part of ATOTECH, of
approval AAA (ATOTECH Automotive Applicators) can apply products ATOTECH above, on the parts intended for
PSA.
(6) ATOTECH certifies that PROTEDUR Ni 75 and ZINNIAL 15 are two trade descriptions of only one and even
produced

OR : 14/12/2001 C : 30/06/2009 INTERNAL USE