The Best Connectors for the Aerospace Industry

Cadmium is a soft white metal that is used in that manufacture of military grade connectors. Most cadmium plated connectors have their base metal as cast iron, steel, copper and malleable iron or powdered metal enhanced corrosion properties.

Cadmium plated connectors provide a versatile and robust coating because cadmium acts as a sacrificial coating since it corrodes before that substrate material. In order to enhance the corrosion protection properties of hermetic connectors, metal finishing experts apply chromate version coatings over the plated metal which the gives it the familiar gold color.

Cadmium plated connectors give the metallic piece exceptional bonding surface adhesives; a good example is what is used in the manufacture of aircraft components and is also preferred for coating components that are used in salt water environments.

There are other additional benefits that come with cadmium plated connectors that include outlasting conductivity and low electrical resistance, excellent solderability, and a favorable galvanic coupling with aluminum. Other features of cadmium plated connectors include superior excellent natural lubricity that assists in the prevention of galling or low coefficient friction.

It is good to take note that the corrosion products of cadmium are not as significant as those that you will get with other plated coatings such as zinc. These are important characteristics when used in applications where the components need to be disassembled and reassembled on a regular basis such as when doing scheduled maintenance on an aircraft.

This is the reason cadmium plated connectors are preferred in the aerospace industry. Cadmium-plated surfaces are known to resist the growth of mold and bacteria. There are a few places where zinc-nickel alloy electroplating becomes an acceptable alte
ative to cadmium plating.

Cadmium plated connectors are not used in applications related to the spaceflight industry because it has the propensity to outgas, sublimate and form spontaneous whiskers when it is in a vacuum. The most typical applications for cadmium plating include others corrosion protection on flight critical components and in transportation such as radiator hose fittings, door latches and disc brake components.

In electronics cadmium plated connectors are used in relays and chassis while in the consumer world it is popular for making window components and other home construction products.

Cadmium retains its original appearance longer than other related materials such as zinc and this, therefore, makes Nickel plated connectors more superior to zinc in marine and industrial applications. As a result of cadmium’s excellent lubricity, it is also preferred for making moving parts especially those that are made using cast iron.

Cadmium plated connectors give withstand upper useful service temperature limits of 450F while zinc remains at 250F. Cadmium electroplating is done carefully to avoid spreading its natural toxicity so as to continue protecting the environment.