Cadmium Electroplating

Cadmium electroplating is a metal finishing process that has been used for many years to protect parts from rust and corrosion.

Even though cadmium is very effective, it is also toxic. Because of this, Europe has banned most uses of cadmium plating. However, it is still commonly used in the aerospace industry and in some automotive manufacturing, especially in Asian countries.

Why Europe Banned Cadmium

Cadmium is dangerous to people and the environment.

It can cause health problems if not handled properly, and it does not break down easily in nature. For these reasons, the European Union decided to ban cadmium plating in most industries. Only very special cases, such as some aircraft and defense parts, are allowed to continue using it.

Why Cadmium Is Still Used in Aviation

Even though cadmium is harmful, it has several unique benefits that are very hard to replace. In the aviation industry, safety and reliability are extremely important.

Cadmium plating continues to be used because it offers:

• Excellent protection against corrosion, even in salty or harsh environments

• Even and complete coverage, including on small threads and tight spaces

• Long-lasting durability, reducing the chance of part failure

• Good compatibility with aluminum, a metal used widely in airplanes

For critical aircraft parts like bolts, connectors, and landing gear components, cadmium plating is still considered one of the most reliable options.

Use in the Automotive Industry

While most Western car manufacturers have moved away from cadmium, some automotive suppliers in Asia still use it, especially for parts that need strong corrosion resistance.

These include:

• Electrical connectors

• Clamps and brackets

• Specialty fasteners

• Components exposed to moisture or harsh outdoor conditions

  
  

Why Cadmium Works So Well

Cadmium is popular because it offers several advantages:

• It protects steel by slowly corroding first (called sacrificial protection).

• It covers complex shapes better than many other coatings.

• It creates a smooth surface, which helps with easy assembly and accurate tightening of bolts.

• It conducts electricity well, making it useful for electrical parts.

  
  

Looking Ahead

Many industries are trying to find safer alternatives, and progress is being made. However, no replacement has yet matched all the benefits of cadmium in the most demanding situations. Until a fully reliable substitute is found, cadmium electroplating will likely remain in use for certain high-performance parts around the world.