Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Need alternative to Cadmium Plating

I am responsible for the Environmental issues at the facility. We are trying to remove the need to Cad plate external components of our hydraulic pumps and motors. In order to do this I have been tasked with identifying suitable alternatives. Can anyone offer me some advice on this?

Thanks in advance.

Dave Whitwham
aerospace - Bedhampton, Hampshire, England
2004

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First of two simultaneous responses --

The U.S. military is replacing all of its cadmium plating with ion-vapor deposited aluminum. This is a relatively simple, dry process. The capital costs are high relative to cadmium plating, but the operating costs are low and there are hazardous materials used, no effluents -- it's a very clean process. You should be able to find someone locally to supply either the service or the equipment (if you want to do it in-house). If you can't, I'd be happy to help you out -- on a consulting basis, of course.

Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover - San Diego,
California
2004

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

I would suggest looking at a tin-zinc alloy electroplate..suppliers such as Atotech or Macdermid should be able to plate sample parts for evaluation for you!

Nigel Gill,B.Sc MIMF AIEMA MRSC
- Glasgow, Scotland
2004

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2004

Dave

You could evaluate the following alternatives depending on the ultimate specs for corossion resistance and mechanical character of the deposit

1) Zinc Nickel alloy.
2) Zinc Iron alloy.
3) Possibly just Zinc.

It all depends on the need such as salt spray life, Solderability, or simply certification issues where the spec won't budge due to age !

Good Luck.

Asif Nurie [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016

Tin - zinc probably comes the closest to a direct replacement of cad as is currently available. Not many people use it, so finding a contract plater will not be as simple as the other choices mentioned. In a very few cases, silver might be an option. IVD aluminum will not replace ALL applications of cad in the military, and certainly not in the present time. It does have a lot of applications tho.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2004