Cadmium Plating

Cadmium Plating or "Cad Plating" is a process used to apply a thin layer of cadmium metal onto the surface of a metal substrate, typically steel or aluminum. Cadmium is a soft, silver-white metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and offers excellent lubricity, making it a popular choice for use in applications that require high corrosion resistance and low friction.

During the Cadmium plating process, the metal substrate is first cleaned and then immersed in a solution containing cadmium ions. An electric current is passed through the solution, causing the cadmium ions to be attracted to the surface of the metal substrate and deposit onto it. The thickness of the cadmium coating can be controlled by adjusting the time and current used during the plating process.

Cadmium plating offers several advantages over other types of metal plating. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments, and has a low coefficient of friction, which makes it an ideal choice for applications where low wear and lubricity are important. Cadmium plating is also highly resistant to high temperatures and offers good electrical conductivity.

However, cadmium is a toxic material that poses risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, the use of cadmium plating has been restricted or banned in some countries. In addition, cadmium plating can create hydrogen embrittlement, a process where hydrogen gas can penetrate the metal substrate during the plating process, causing it to become brittle and more susceptible to cracking or breaking.

Overall, Cadmium plating is a highly effective and popular method of plating metal substrates, offering excellent corrosion resistance and lubricity. However, the use of cadmium has been restricted due to its toxicity, and alternative plating methods may need to be used in some applications.