What are the specific hydrogen embrittlement relief requirements for high-carbon steel retaining rings after zinc electroplating?

Per ASTM B850, high-carbon steel rings (hardness > 40 HRC) must be subjected to a baking cycle within 1 to 4 hours of electroplating. The typical protocol is a minimum of 22 hours at 190-220 degrees Celsius. The delay in baking is critical; if the hydrogen is allowed to diffuse to grain boundaries and initiate micro-cracks under internal stress, the damage is irreversible. For critical aerospace fasteners and rings, many engineers now move away from electroplating toward mechanical galvanizing or stainless steel to eliminate this failure mode entirely.