Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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CADMIUM PLATING ITS ILL EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

WE ARE REQUIRED TO USE CADMIUM PLATED HARDWARE FOR SWITCHBOARD ASSLY FOR SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS. WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN VIEWS ABOUT USAGE OF CADMIUM SPECIFICALLY WRT ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT.

SHIVAPRASAD.N
SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURERS - Bangalore, KARNATAKA, INDIA
2005

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The real issue is what properties of cadmium suggested its application in this particular case, then selecting an alternative coating that meets those requirements. Cadmium is a chronic cumulative poison and should not be used unless it is demonstrated that no alternative exists.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

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2005

Also, going on a little from what Ted has said, there are now huge restrictions on the use of cadmium. You may have seen on this site mention of two rather influential European regulations, RoHS and End of Vehicle Life. Both of these place massive restrictions on the use of cadmium in all but the most specific of tasks.

There are a number of potential replacement technologies out there and it is encumbent on the designers and manufacturers to assess suitable alternatives.

Unfortunately, due to the properties of cadmium, there are occasions where cadmium is still the only option.

If you are concerned about the use of cadmium in certain applications, you will need to speak to your customers and find out if there are any alternatives.

Brian Terry
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK

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2005

Hello Mr Shivaprasad;

Zinc- Iron or Zinc Nickel alloy Plating will work in marine conditions as effectively as Cadmium.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India