ASTM B798 is the ASTM standard that addresses porosity in gold or palladium coatings on metal substrates using gel-bulk electrography. It provides a technical basis for evaluating whether these noble metal finishes contain pathways that could affect protection, appearance, or performance. For buyers, engineers, and quality teams, this standard is useful when coating integrity needs to be checked in a consistent, documented way across plated components.

Purpose of ASTM B798

The purpose of ASTM B798 is to describe a test method for detecting porosity in gold or palladium coatings applied to metal substrates. Porosity can influence how a coating performs in service, especially where surface continuity matters. By defining a recognized test approach, the standard helps users compare results more reliably and support quality control decisions. It is especially relevant when coating evaluation must be repeatable and tied to an accepted ASTM procedure.

Common use cases of ASTM B798

ASTM B798 is commonly used when inspecting plated parts that rely on gold or palladium finishes for functional or decorative performance. It is a practical reference for laboratories, plating operations, and purchasing specifications that need a standardized porosity test method. The standard may be applied during incoming inspection, process verification, or final acceptance testing for metal components where coating continuity is important. It supports consistent evaluation in controlled testing workflows.

Why ASTM B798 matters

This standard matters because porosity can affect coating reliability, product consistency, and confidence in manufacturing outcomes. ASTM B798 gives organizations a shared method for checking gold or palladium coating integrity, which helps reduce ambiguity in testing and procurement. Using a recognized ASTM standard also supports clearer communication between suppliers and customers. In quality-controlled environments, it can help document compliance and reduce the risk of accepting coatings that do not meet expectations.

• Porosity testing for gold and palladium coatings
• Metal substrate coating evaluation
• Gel-bulk electrography test method
• Quality control and acceptance checks
• Standardized ASTM testing reference