Cadmium Plating Services for Corrosion Resistance & Critical Aerospace Performance
MIL provides precision cadmium electroplating engineered to deliver exceptional corrosion protection, lubricity, solderability, and electrical conductivity for steel and titanium alloy components used in aerospace, defense, and high-reliability industrial systems.
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High-Performance Cadmium Plating for Mission-Critical Components
Cadmium plating is widely used for aerospace and defense applications due to its unique combination of sacrificial corrosion resistance, natural lubricity, and excellent electrical properties. Cadmium protects underlying steel even when scratched or breached—making it ideal for fasteners, threaded hardware, landing gear components, and high-strength assemblies.
MIL applies cadmium coatings in accordance with MIL-SPEC, AMS, and OEM processing requirements, including proper hydrogen embrittlement relief for hardened steels and precise control of coating thickness.
Cadmium Plating Highlights
- Outstanding corrosion protection (sacrificial anodic coating)
- Natural lubricity ideal for threaded parts and moving assemblies
- Excellent electrical conductivity and low contact resistance
- Strong solderability for electrical connectors
- Good ductility and adhesion
- Multiple post-treatments available, including dichromate
- Hydrogen embrittlement relief bake for high-strength steels
- Suitable for steel, alloy steel, and titanium alloy components
How the Cadmium Plating Process Works
Step 1 — Surface Preparation & Cleaning
To ensure strong adhesion and uniform coating, MIL performs:
- Solvent cleaning and degreasing
- Alkaline cleaning
- Surface activation
- Precision racking for complex geometries
Step 2 — Cadmium Electroplating
Parts are immersed in a cadmium electrolyte bath where controlled current deposits a uniform, adherent coating.
Benefits of the electroplated layer include:
- Sacrificial protection of the substrate
- Smooth, lubricious surface finish
- Reliable protection in salt and moisture exposure
Thickness ranges typically fall between 0.0001”–0.0006” per surface, depending on specification.
Step 3 — Post-Treatment (Dichromate, Sealers, Solderability Enhancements)
MIL applies post-treatments based on engineering specifications:
- Yellow or clear dichromate
- Sealers to enhance corrosion resistance
- Post-process conditioning for improved solderability
Step 4 — Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief Bake
Required for steels ≥35 HRC, this bake removes absorbed hydrogen, preventing cracking and premature failure.
MIL strictly follows all timing and temperature requirements—critical since delays or errors can be catastrophic for high-strength parts.
Step 5 — Inspection, Validation & Documentation
MIL verifies:
- Coating thickness
- Adhesion
- Coverage in deep recesses
- Post-treatment appearance
- Specification compliance
- Full process traceability
Why Work With MIL for Cadmium Plating Services?
Expertise in Aerospace & Defense Cadmium Specifications
Cadmium plating carries strict controls due to its critical performance role. MIL’s decades of experience and approvals ensure the highest reliability.
Precise Thickness & Uniformity for Complex Components
MIL specializes in plating complex machined parts, deep bores, and intricate geometries where uniform deposition is essential.
Controlled Embrittlement Relief for High-Strength Steels
Cadmium plating on hardened steels must be baked promptly and correctly—an area where MIL’s high-rigor processes significantly reduce risk.
Integrated with Multi-Process Finishing
Cadmium plating often pairs with other finishing steps such as:
- NDT inspection
- Masking
- Conversion coatings
- Solid film lubricants
- Prime and paint
MIL performs all these services in one facility for speed and quality control.
Applications & Industries Served
Component Types
- Fasteners & threaded hardware
- Aircraft landing gear components
- Couplings, connectors, and fittings
- Clamps, brackets, and structural hardware
- Electrical connectors requiring solderability
- Steel and titanium alloy components exposed to corrosive conditions
Industries
- Aerospace & defense
- Space systems
- Industrial machinery
- Power generation equipment
- Automotive & heavy equipment
- Specialty manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions About Cadmium Plating
Cadmium offers a rare combination of sacrificial corrosion protection, lubricity, solderability, and electrical conductivity—properties not fully matched by alternatives.
Coatings typically range from 0.0001” to 0.0006” per surface, depending on specification and class.
Yes, for steels ≥35 HRC. Post-plating baking is critical to prevent cracking or catastrophic failure.
Yes—certain applications require cadmium plating on titanium alloy fasteners or interfaces, and MIL processes these in accordance with relevant specifications.
Common post-treatments include:
- Yellow dichromate
- Clear dichromate
- Sealers
- Solderability-enhancing treatments
While cadmium is regulated, it remains approved and widely used in aerospace and defense due to its unmatched performance characteristics. MIL follows all handling and waste management regulations.
Get Started Today
Fast, accurate estimating for cadmium plating and multi-step finishing workflows.
Need guidance on thickness classes, post-treatments, or embrittlement relief? MIL’s technical team can help.
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