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Practical Uses Of Cadmium Plating by Richard Conard
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Practical Uses Of Cadmium Plating |
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Manufacturing
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Cadmium is a soft white metal that is used in electroplating services to give metals such as cast iron, steel, copper and malleable iron or powdered metal enhanced corrosion properties. Cadmium electroplating provides a versatile and robust coating because cadmium acts as a sacrificial coating since it corrodes before that substrate material. In order to enhance the corrosion protection properties of cadmium plating, metal finishing experts will normally apply chromate version coatings over the plated metal which the gives it the familiar gold color.
Cadmium plating gives the metallic piece exceptional bonding surface adhesives; a good example is what is used in the manufacture of aircraft components and is also preferred for coating components that are used in salt water environments. There are other additional benefits of cadmium plating that include its outlasting conductivity and low electrical resistance, excellent solderability, and a favorable galvanic coupling with aluminum. Other features of cadmium plating include superior excellent natural lubricity that assists in the prevention of galling or low coefficient friction.
It is good to take note that the corrosion products of cadmium are not as significant as those that you will get with other plated coatings such as zinc. These are extremely important characteristics when used in applications where the components need to be disassembled and reassembled on a regular basis such as when doing scheduled maintenance on an aircraft. This is the reason cadmium plating is quite critical in the aerospace industry because on the other hand cadmium-plated surfaces are known to resist the growth of mold and bacteria. There are a few places where electroless nickel plating becomes an acceptable alternative to cadmium plating.
Cadmium plating is not normally used in any applications related to the spaceflight industry because it has the propensity to outgas, sublimate and form spontaneous whiskers when it is in a vacuum. The most typical applications for cadmium plating will include among others corrosion protection on flight critical components and in transportation it is used for radiator hose fittings, door latches and disc brake components. In electronics cadmium plating is used on connectors, relays and chassis while in the consumer world it is popular for making window components and other home construction products.
Cadmium will retain its original appearance longer than other related materials such as zinc and this, therefore, makes cadmium plating more superior to zinc in marine and industrial applications. As a result of cadmium’s excellent lubricity, it is also more preferable for making moving parts especially those that are made using cast iron. Cadmium plating gives them an upper useful service temperature limit of 450F while zinc remains at 250F. Cadmium electroplating is done carefully to avoid spreading its natural toxicity so as to continue protecting the environment.
Related Articles -
Electroless nickel plating, Electroplating service, nadcap certified nickel electroplating, nadcap gold electroplating, copper plating services, nadca,
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