Cadmium is a bright, silvery white colored metal, although treatments for type II can produce the metal in various other hues including amber, gold, black, olive drab, iridescent and even clear. Cadmium SAE AMS QQ-P-416 also, like most metals falls into different classes and types. When plating according to specifications, the results will meet the required criterion demanded by such concerns as the aerospace industry.
Cadmium Typology
Cadmium falls into three different types as plated:
* Type I
* Type II: This may involve a supplementary chromate treatment ranging from iridescent bronze to brown. This includes the familiar olive drab, black and gold (yellow)
* Type III: This features a supplementary phosphate treatment.
The AMS also places cadmium into three classes within the different types of cadmium plating. They set the criterion for this classification system according to minimum thickness
* Class 1: This must have a minimum thickness of .0005″
* Class 2: This must have a minimum thickness of .0003″
* Class 3: This must have a minimum thickness of .0002″
These specifications clearly define the exacting requirements of each type and class of cadmium.
Qualities of Cadmium Plating
Cadmium plating offers a variety of qualities that make it attractive to fabricators and industrial concerns. It possesses the following qualities:
* Corrosion protection
* Electrical conductivity
* Excellent solderability
* Functions as a sacrificial coating i.e. it corrodes before the base material, protecting it from harm longer
* Galvanic coupling
* Low electrical resistance
* Uniform pit-free ductile deposit when plated properly
* Increases lubricity
* Prevents galling (wearing down of the parts)
Overall, by applying these cadmium standards and plating the components accordingly, the equipment can function longer with less wear-and-tear, increasing productivity or providing longer performances. Such characteristics make the product ideal for use in certain applications.
Applications of QQ-P-416 Standards
Various industries find multiple uses for cadmium plated components and products. They realize the capabilities of this metal. Undoubtedly, QQ-P-416 remains popular for usage as fasteners, automotive parts, and aircraft components.