Nickel Cadmium Plating in Aerospace: Ensuring Reliability in Harsh Environments
The Aerospace industry is known for its high standards and the tough environments that its equipment regularly encounters. From extremely high temperatures to highly corrosive conditions, aerospace manufacturers face a lot of challenges–which is why metal surface treatments like diffused nickel cadmium plating are so important. Quality surface treatments protect the metal parts that these manufacturers create, while enhancing their performance and prolonging their life cycle.
Diffused Nickel Cadmium–A Unique Type of Electroplating
Diffused nickel cadmium plating is applied much like any other type of electroplating, but with a couple of extra steps. First, a layer of nickel ions is electrodeposited onto the part. After this process is complete, a second layer, this time cadmium, is electrodeposited on top of the nickel layer. Once both layers have been applied, the part is put in an oven and heated, then held at a very specific temperature for at least half an hour or more. The heat causes the cadmium to diffuse into the nickel layer, hence the name, and creates an extremely durable, corrosion and temperature resistant surface on the part.
The Applications of Nickel Cadmium Plating
Diffused Nickel Cadmium plating is unique, both in how the finish is applied and the fact that it’s used almost exclusively in Aerospace and Defense applications. That isn’t to say the coating isn’t applicable in other industries, just that it’s almost always found in the aerospace and defense sectors because of its ability to protect steel components from corrosion and high temperatures.
Nickel-cadmium plating is applied to parts made from carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and corrosion resistant steels that will experience extremely high temperatures during regular operation. It helps prevent corrosion and damage to the parts due to high temperatures, and other corrosive conditions like salt spray as well. While it’s not well-suited to tight tolerance parts or complex components, diffuse nickel cadmium plating is an excellent choice for aerospace components that require high strength and temperature resistance that are simpler in design, like structural and assembly components.
Nickel cadmium treatments have other benefits as well too, beyond just improving the durability of a steel part. This coating will also add an appealing luster to the surface, brightening the appearance of the part and improving its visual appeal. Like other types of electroplating, nickel cadmium also offers excellent adhesion to any subsequent paint, powder, or other coatings that might be applied to the surface, helping these secondary coats remain long-lasting and durable in a variety of conditions.
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Reid Metal Finishing is the premiere plating and anodizing company, with a large offering of surface treatments all applied by our expert team! If you’re interested in our services, head over to our website to learn more about all of our capabilities, including nickel cadmium plating, and request a quote today.
