Cadmium Plating

This specification covers the requirements for electrodeposited cadmium coatings on products of iron, steel, and other metals. Cadmium coatings are used for corrosion resistance and corrosion prevention The as deposited coating (Type I) is useful for the lowest cost protection in a mild or noncorrosive environment where early formation of white corrosion products is not detrimental or harmful to the function of a component. The prime purpose of the supplementary chromate finishes (Types II and III) on the electroplated cadmium is to increase corrosion resistance.Electrodeposited cadmium coatings shall be classified on the basis of thickness as Class 25, 12, 8, and 5. The coating shall be essentially pure cadmium produced by electrodeposition usually from an alkaline cyanide solution. The basis metal shall be subjected to such cleaning procedures as necessary to ensure a surface satisfactory for subsequent electroplating. Cadmium shall be deposited directly on the basis metal part without an undercoat of another metal except when the part is either stainless steel or aluminum and its alloys. The plating shall be applied after all basis metal heat treatments and mechanical operations. The thickness of the coating everywhere on the significant surface shall conform to the requirements of the specified class. The cadmium coating shall be sufficiently adherent to the basis metal to pass the tests. The supplementary Type II chromate film shall be adherent, nonpowdery, and abrasion resistant. The thickness of electrodeposited cadmium coatings shall be determined by the applicable test methods.