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.

QQ-P-416-F (93)
Type I As Plated
Type II Yellow (or specified color)
Type III Phosphate Treatment

Class 1 0.0005 thick
Class 2 0.0003 thick
Class 3 0.0002 thick

ASTM-B766-93
Type I As Plated
Type II Yellow (or specified color)
Type III Clear

Class 25 SC4 (Very Severe) 0.001 thick
Class 12 SC3 (Severe) 0.0005 thick
Class 08 SC2 (Moderate) 0.00032 thick
Class 05 SC1 (Mild) 0.0002 thick