Metallic automotive materials, from the tow hitch on a pickup truck to the chrome trim on a luxury vehicle, must perform consistently through a range of service environments to be successful. Some conditions challenge these materials more than others, such as those found in coastal regions like Florida, where the high salt concentration in the air can affect metals up to 50 miles inland.
Take a convertible built for beach cruising in Miami, for example, where constant humidity and ocean breezes saturate the air with salt year-round. After a few years, owners notice aesthetic issues: metal fixtures rusting, underbody coatings bubbling, and interior electronics corroding due to exposure when the roof and windows are down. The likely oversight? The manufacturer neglected Salt Spray Testing during material validation.
Without effective corrosion testing, even otherwise well-designed components can degrade rapidly in salt-heavy environments. These seemingly minor issues—from corroded stereo parts to plating or coating systems—can develop into premature failures that may lead to increased maintenance costs, warranty claims, or brand reputation challenges. Salt spray testing, when performed by a trusted environmental simulation provider, can help identify such weaknesses before production.
Proven Testing for Real-World Conditions
Salt Spray Testing (SST) simulates years of exposure to corrosive stimuli in a matter of days or weeks. Components are placed inside controlled chambers that subject them to a salt fog solution replicating the corrosive effects of coastal climates, road salt, and industrial atmospheres.
Salt Spray Testing is used to:
- Evaluate coatings like paint, plating, and anodizing
- Verify compliance with standards such as ASTM B117 and ISO 9227
- Compare suppliers and ensure consistency in production
- Support design validation for marine or automotive applications
While this method can’t capture every environmental nuance, Salt Spray Testing remains one of the most reliable and repeatable methods for assessing corrosion resistance, helping manufacturers make informed material choices and reduce the risk of field performance issues like the example above.
Delivering Fast, Flexible, and Traceable Results
At Applied Technical Services (ATS), we have more than 20 Salt Spray Testing chambers of varying capacities to offer a more comprehensive testing strategy. Our ISO/IEC 17025-and NADCAP-accredited laboratories perform Salt Spray Testing in full compliance with ASTM B117, ISO 9227, and other industry standards.
Our capabilities include:
- Neutral Salt Spray (NSS), Acetic Acid (AASS), and Copper-Accelerated (CASS) testing
- Cyclic Corrosion Testing (CCT) for advanced, real-world simulation
- Custom exposure durations and multi-sample chamber setups
- Digital documentation, photo reporting, and detailed failure analysis
By using these methods—adjusting for temperature, humidity, and salinity in line with client specifications to closely mimic their product’s real-world service conditions—we equip them with the knowledge they need to develop the best product for their customers.
Contact Us
Every test ATS performs delivers actionable insights designed to help our clients bring longer-lasting, more reliable products to market. We offer a long list of environmental testing services in addition to our salt spray capabilities, enabling us to serve our automotive clients with a variety of needs. Whether you’re qualifying suppliers or solving a corrosion issue, our expert technicians are here to help.
To learn more about our Salt Spray Testing services or to schedule a consultation, please complete our web request form or call +1 (888) 287-5227.
