Heat Scale After Cadmium Plating: Serious Risk, Smart Advice

Summary for heat scale after cadmium plating Discussion

Removing heat scale after cadmium plating is the central concern here. Glen Hawker asked whether it is safe to redip a part after it has been plated and baked, in order to remove heat scale. The reply says it seems very unlikely that a heat-scale removal dip could be done without seriously compromising the plating, although cadmium plating is often reactivated with a gentle acid dip after baking. The answerer also asks for more specifics — the part, substrate, and plating material — because a fuller answer depends on the exact situation. As a preventive note, the answer mentions that some shops bake in an inert atmosphere or place parts in stainless steel bags to avoid scaling in the first place. The overall message is that the process is not generally recommended as stated, and the details matter.