Cadmium plating gives the appearance of a silver white metal that offers excellent corrosion resistance. Cadmium has the advantage of being harder than tin, being very ductile therefore making it useful as a coating for work which requires flexibility. Cadmium is typically deposited in matt conditions when intended purely for protection, but can also offer the alternative of being an attractive bright appearance when electroplated. When cadmium plating finishes are to be passivated a bright finish is often preferred.
 

Finishes Offered

• Bright – Giving the Surface a silvery / white appearance.

• Dull - Giving Cadmium’s natural state, being a matt deposit.

• Chromate - Applying a golden yellow film with a high degree of protection against atmospheric corrosion.

• Olive drab - Producing a dark green finish, with a further increase in corrosion resistance.
   

Cadmium plated articles offer excellent corrosion protection to iron and steel as the cadmium coating is electrolytically sacrificed to protect the underlying ferrous metal. Cadmium electroplating is primarily in the electrical and aircraft industries due to its low contact potential difference in relation to aluminium. This results in the possibility of electrolytic corrosion at the point of contact being greatly reduced, for when cadmium is deposited on steel fittings or fasteners in contact with aluminium frame or skin of an aircraft.

Cadmium is a controlled substance and can only be used in specific applications. The usual thickness of Cadmium applied for a commercial basis is between the limits of 8 – 15 Microns (0.0003 – 0.0006″) or to the relevant BS or Aerospace specification.

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Key Characteristics of Cadmium Plating

• High Corrosion Protection

• Used extensively in the aerospace industry

• Ductility

• Temperature Resistance

• Low contact resistance in relation to aluminium