What is so Special About Cadmium Plating?

The surface of metal parts is required to make corrosion resistant and wear resistant. And when it comes to protecting metal parts in damaging climatic conditions, cadmium plating is the best in the breed.

Cadmium plating forms a coating of cadmium on the surface of the metal substrate. This layer acts as the sacrificial coating and protects the substrate from getting damaged.

What makes cadmium coating so special is its unique ability to withstand tough climatic conditions. Therefore, it is the preferred choice of metal coating for salt-water environments and corrosive environments.

Cadmium coating is tough, hard, and durable. It is used in a variety of applications. It is used for electronic components, automobile parts, aircraft parts, aquatic settings, military weapons, and the aviation industry. Cadmium coating is the preferred choice of metallic coating for the aerospace industry and marine industry.

However, it is not used for metal finishing of household metal products because of toxic nature of the metal. It is also not used for the metal coating of the metal parts which comes in direct contact with the food. That’s why in food processing industry use of cadmium coating is prohibited. But other industries, such as the Aircraft industry and Marine industry can use its special characteristics to better protect metal parts.

How cadmium coating is applied on the surface of the substrate?

Cadmium coating is deposited on the metal substrate using an electric current. This process is called electrodeposition.

In this electroplating process, a metal substrate is dipped into the solution containing dissolved cadmium ions and positively charged electric current is passed through the solution. A negatively charged metal substrate act as a cathode and cadmium ion is deposited on the metal substrate. It forms the uniform layer of cadmium on the surface of the metal substrate.

Benefits of Cadmium Plating

Cadmium plating forms a tough, durable, and highly corrosion resistant layer on the metal surface. It offers a vast range of benefits. Let’s have a look at the key benefits of cadmium plating.

Corrosion Resistance  

Cadmium plating is popular for its high corrosion resistance. And when it comes to alkaline environments, there is no match of the cadmium plating. Cadmium coating increases the corrosion resistance of the metal significantly. It functions as the sacrificial coating and protects the metal substrate. Due to its high corrosion resistance, it is used for the metallic coating of the metal components, fasteners and other aquatic settings that are exposed to fresh and saltwater.

Lubrication

Cadmium plating improves the lubrication of the metal parts. It has excellent lubricity and favorable galvanic coupling with aluminum. That’s why it is used for the metal finishing of moving parts of the machine. It prevents galling and reduces the friction which improves the efficiency of the machinery and enhances the lifespan of machine parts.

Improve Adhesion

Cadmium coating has excellent binding properties. It improves the adhesive properties of a metal surface and forms an exceptional bonding surface for the paint. Paint on cadmium coated surfaces does not chip or peel easily and retain its original appearance longer. More importantly, cadmium plating can also be used as a final surface. It retains its original appearance longer than other metal finishing.

Exceptional Conductivity

Cadmium is an exceptional conductor of electricity. It offers low electrical resistance. That’s why it is used for the finishing of electrical components and wiring. It allows smooth and highly efficient transfer of current.

Long Lasting   

The thickness of cadmium plating varies from 0.0001 to 0.0010 inches. Hence, you do not have to worry about the chipping or peeling of the coating. Cadmium coating is also resistant to the growth of mold and bacteria. It lasts long and protects the substrate.

These are the key benefits of the cadmium plating which make it a perfect choice for the industrial metal finishing.

Final Thoughts  

Cadmium coating is versatile and robust metallic coating. When it comes to protecting metal components in harsh environments, its special properties make it one of the best metal finishing processes. If you are looking for an economical and long-lasting metal coating, cadmium plating is definitely one of the best electroplating methods you have.