ASTM B766 Cadmium Plating Services
For military and highly demanding industrial applications, cadmium plating is the cornerstone of the metal finishing industry because cadmium coating can provide excellent corrosion resistance as well as a number of other technical advantages over competitive coatings (see the long list of “benefits” below).
Cadmium itself is a soft, white metal that acts as a “sacrificial coating” on the base material (or “substrate”).
In spite of its many benefits and advantages, cadmium plating also faces one important drawback: cadmium itself is highly toxic to the environment and must be carefully applied to substrates under expert conditions that are subject to significant regulatory oversight.
In order to be considered a reliable source of supply, metal finishing companies offering Mil-STD 865 cadmium coatings must have a demonstrated track record of 1) plating proficiency, 2) ability to deal with regulatory issues, and 3) environmentally effective material handling capabilities.
Applications
Electroless nickel plating is typically used in applications that require hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection. Such applications include a very wide range of ASTM B766 Cadmium plating services used in some of the most demanding industrial conditions, including the aerospace, military, mining, automotive, and aviation industries on a wide range of parts, from fasteners to chassis to connectors and electrical components. It is also commonly used in electronics.
Chromates
To enhance the corrosion protection of cadmium coatings, MFT utilizes chromate conversion coatings that can be applied over the substrate, yielding the familiar gold color. Other colors, such as olive drab, can also be produced.
Specifications
- QQ-P-416
- ASTM B766
- MIL-STD-171
Benefits
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Low electrical resistance (excellent conductor)
- Malleability
- Resistance to mold and bacteria
- Elimination of stick-slip under torquing (plated threads)
- Cosmetic advantages (can be easily dyed and is suitable as either a final finish or as a base for paint).
- Low material cost
- An exceptional bonding surface for adhesives
- Galvanic compatibility with aluminum
- Excellent lubricity
- Solderability
Limitations
- Toxicity
Services & Markets Served
Metal Finishing Technologies, LLC is a nationally recognized source of Mil-P-27418 and AMS2424 sulfamate nickel plating services as well as a certified FAA repair station servicing the Automotive, Marine, Aerospace, Medical, Commercial and Electrical industries since 1947.
Metal Finishing Technologies prides itself on the high level of quality finishes we produce every day. Because of our Statistical Process Control used to maintain our chemistry and the Total Quality Management programs we have in place we were able to obtain our ISO 9001 as well as AS9100 certification.
Environmental Stewards in a Non-Green Industry
MFT’s sustainability promise is the cornerstone of our company. We are fully dedicated to our green story through our commitment to sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly principles. The following principles support our sustainability promise and are deeply rooted in our daily activities and company culture.
MFT further utilizes third party consultants and laboratories to verify results and pursue new technologies and ideas.
Protection
MFT conducts all operations in a way that protects our employees and their families, customers, neighboring communities, and the environment.
Compliance
MFT implements sustainable metal plating solutions and safe and environmentally sound practices that not only comply with or exceed regulatory and legal requirements, but also mitigate environmental, health, and safety risks.
Conservation
MFT embraces our role as environmental stewards while practicing and promoting the conservation of renewable resources while striving to minimize our environmental impact.
Monitoring
MFT constantly monitors the groundwater, surface water, and air at and around its metal plating facility. We are currently participating in a 30-year groundwater monitoring and compliance program and are expected to acquire our Stewardship Permit in 2022.