Electro-PlatinG,Inc.

Cadmium plating provides excellent corrosion resistance at relatively low thickness even in salt atmospheres.  Cadmium also provides a low coefficient of friction and therefore good lubricity, predictable torque characteristics, good electrical conductivity (especially when compared to zinc plating), protection from galvanic corrosion (in particular when in contact with aluminum), and easy solderability.

 

We routinely receive phone calls where customers tell us they have called other platers and have been told that cadmium plating doesn't exist anymore.  This is misdirection from competitors who are typically looking to sell zinc plating.  While it is true that fewer and fewer platers offer cadmium plating, it is still available and the properties it provides are still superior to most substitutes that are often used in its place.

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Where cadmium plating used to be one of the most common forms of plating it has become less popular for certain applications because it is considered to be toxic and is not ROHS compliant.  Cadmium plating is still extremely effective for many applications such as in marine, aerospace, and military applications.