Cadmium is used for providing sacrificial (cathodic) protection to steel. Cadmium’s lubricity and ability to prevent galling between sliding surfaces is a key property for many of its applications. In marine environments, cadmium outlasts equal thicknesses of zinc. It is also readily solderable with nonacid fluxes, has good electrical conductivity and, when corroded, forms thinner and less harmful corrosion products than zinc does. For installing fasteners, a predictable high tension is obtained at low torque with cadmium. This feature, combined with its compatibility with aluminum, has made cadmium a popular finish for aerospace fasteners and other military applications.

Common Specifications: QQ-P-416-F (93) and ASTM-B766-93

Above: Cadmium with yellow chromate on electric meter lock.