Cadmium (Clear, or Yellow) 

Cadmium plating, specified by QQ-P-416, is an attractive and sacrificial coating applied to various base materials, including steel, copper, and iron. Cadmium plating [QQ-P-416 Type I, Type II] serves several purposes, including surface corrosion resistance, cathodic protection, lubricity, and compatibility with aluminum.

Key Benefits – Corrosion Protection:

• Good defense against corrosion in salt atmospheres, even at low thickness.
• Electrical Conductivity: Low electrical resistance and excellent conductivity.
• Anti-Galling and Low Friction: Natural lubricity provides these properties.
• Substrate Compatibility: Works on steel, iron, copper, brass, and aluminum.
• Galvanic Protection: Protects iron and steel substrates, even when scratched.
• Soft and Malleable: Allows flexibility in complex geometries.

Let’s explore the different types of cadmium plating:

 Cadmium:

• Provides a dull gold finish.
• Typically followed by a chromate conversion coating (usually yellow).
• Used in various applications, including aircraft landing gear products.

Bright Cadmium:

• Offers a bright gold color.
• Used for decorative purposes and where aesthetics matter.
• One type of low hydrogen embrittlement (LHE) coating.
• Tiny particles of titanium create porosity, allowing hydrogen to escape during baking.
• Enhances safety for high-strength parts.

Official Types of Cadmium Plating: 

Chromate Colors available at Reliable Plating are clear and yellow.

• Type I is “clear” cadmium plating (available)
• Type II is “yellow” (available)
• Type III ( we do not do Type III)

Thickness (per class):

• Class I: 0.0005″ minimum
• Class II: 0.0003″ minimum
• Class III: 0.0002″ minimum

Differences Between Clear and Yellow Cadmium Plating

• Clear Cadmium Plating: Offers a more subtle, silver-like finish and is often used where aesthetic appearance is important.
• Yellow Cadmium Plating: Provides a thicker chromate layer, offering enhanced corrosion resistance compared to clear cadmium plating.

Both types of cadmium plating are valued for their ability to provide sacrificial protection, meaning the cadmium layer corrodes preferentially to the underlying metal, thereby extending the life of the component.