Cadmium plating is a type of coating process used for protecting metal parts against corrosion. Cadmium coating is popular for its extremely high durability and excellent resistance in aquatic settings and harsh environments.

Today we will discuss everything you need to know about the cadmium plating.

What is cadmium plating and how does cadmium plating process work?

Cadmium plating is an electroplating process in which layer of cadmium metal deposited over the entire surface of the metal substrate. Cadmium coating is a very strong metal coating that provides outstanding corrosion resistance. It functions as a sacrificial coating and corrodes before the substrate material. Due to the excellent corrosion resistance of cadmium plating in the salty water environment and harsh conditions, it is preferred for aerospace and marine industry.

Cadmium coating can be applied to the metal substrate in several ways such as electroplating, mechanical plating, and vacuum or ion deposition. A most common method used for applying the cadmium coating is electroplating.

In cadmium electroplating, cadmium is deposited to the metal substrate through electrodeposition. In this process, first of all, a metal substrate is cleaned thoroughly. After cleaning the metal substrate, it is immersed into the plating bath containing cadmium ions and other electrolytes. A DC current is passed through the electrolyte solution. The metal substrate act as a cathode and positive cadmium ions get deposited on the surface of the metal substrate.

Cadmium coating is highly toxic in nature. Therefore it must not be used for the coating of metal items that come in direct contact with food.

Advantages of Cadmium Plating

Corrosion Prevention

Cadmium plating is popular for its corrosion resistance abilities. It provides outstanding resistance against moisture, water, and air. It provides great resistance in aquatic settings. That’s why it is ideal for the coating of metal components which exposed to the salt water. Also, the thickness of plating gives the idea of how long it will take the underneath metal substrate to begin to corrode. The thickness of cadmium plating ranges from 0.0001 to 0.0010 inches. You can choose the thickness of the cadmium coating as per your needs.

Durability

Cadmium plating is extremely durable and lasts long. It provides excellent protection to the metal substrate underneath it. It protects metal parts against wear and abrasion and increases their lifetime. It does not peel easily and highly resistant to wear. High durability and excellent strength of cadmium plating, makes it a preferred choice of coating for aircraft manufacturing parts and metal parts used in industrial machinery.

Lubricity

This is the natural characteristics of cadmium plating. It offers excellent natural lubricity and reduces friction between metal surfaces that touch each other. That’s why ideal for metal plating of metal parts used in industrial machinery. Also, cadmium coating has a favorable galvanic coupling with aluminum, therefore, ideal for the coating of metal parts made of aluminum. Low level of galvanic corrosion of cadmium plating makes it an ideal choice for the aerospace industry.

Adhesion

Another key advantage of cadmium plating is it offers an exceptional bonding surface for adhesives. Paint adheres well to cadmium coated surfaces and forms a strong bond with the metal surface. It can also be used as a finished surface. You can leave cadmium coated metal parts as it is. It provides great finishing that retains its appearance for a long time.

Exceptional Electrical Conductivity

Cadmium plating offers very low resistance to the electric current. It has excellent electrical conductivity. It allows the smooth and efficient transfer of electricity. Therefore, it is ideal for coating of wire, connectors, and metal components used in electric connections.

These are the key advantages of cadmium plating that makes it a perfect choice of metal coating.

Final Thoughts

Corrosion is the most dangerous enemy of the metal. Cadmium plating is a robust and versatile metallic coating for metal components. If you manufacture metal parts which are meant to be used in harsh environments, there is nothing like cadmium plating.