Cadmium is robust and versatile. Cadmium has a silvery white metallic appearance with excellent corrosion resistance, which functions as a “sacrificial coating,” corroding before the substrate material.

To enhance the corrosion protection of cadmium plating, chromate conversion coatings can be applied over the plated metal.

Accredited

We have worked with companies from a wide range of sectors and have obtained many company approvals and accreditations.

Finishes

  • Dull – Giving the Cadmium’s natural state, being a matt deposit.
  • Chromate – Applying a golden yellow film with a high degree of protection against atmospheric corrosion.

Exceptional Bonding

Cadmium plating offers an exceptional bonding surface for adhesives, such as those used in aircraft manufacture, and is the preferred coating for salt-water environments. The coating is electropositive to iron and has a very low contact potential minimizes corrosion caused by dissimilar metals. Cadmium is a controlled substance and can only be used in specific applications.

In some applications, zinc-nickel alloy plating may be an acceptable alternative to cadmium plating.

Example Specifications

  • Defence Standards (Def-Stan)
  • British Standards (BS-EN)
  • Aerospace Material Specification (AMS)
  • AMS-QQ-P-416
  • WHPS 257
  • Honeywell
  • Westlands

Environmental

While cadmium offers engineering properties that have yet to be matched by a single finish, it is highly toxic and subject to strict environmental controls. For this reason, South West Metal Finishing incorporates the latest closed loop cadmium plating equipment at its facility, and are actively involved in the development of viable alternatives to cadmium plating.

Contact Us

Our technical support team are here to help answer any questions or queries you may have.

Cadmium Plating Capabilities

  • Rack and Barrel Plating Available
  • Post-Treatment passivates
  • Application of Zinc Phosphate as a Painting Pre-Treatment
  • Precise masking for Selective Surface Plating
  • Salt Spray Corrosion Test
  • Plating thickness analysis using XRF technology, Magnetic methods

Typical Cadmium Applications

Aerospace

Corrosion protection on flight-critical components

Defence

Used for electrical field connectors

Need help?

Are you unsure which surface treatment you need, or do you require some advice? Get in touch today and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.

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Oil and Gas

Used for bolts and fixtures

Nuclear

Used in submarine actuators

Need help?

Are you unsure which surface treatment you need, or do you require some advice? Get in touch today and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.

Email us

Please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

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Sectors

Surface treatment services to the aerospace and other high technology sectors.

Surface Coatings

We offer an extensive range of coating services including Electroplating, Electroless Plating, Anodising, Conversion Coatings, Paint and Non Destructive Testing.

The Environment

As a business, South West Metal Finishing recognises its Duty of Care with respect to the environment.