Lead-freeSacrificial Corrosion ProtectionMarine and Salt Spray ResistanceLow Friction for Fastener ThreadsAerospace and Defense Grade
Pure cadmium electroplating anode in 2" diameter ball form. Used for sacrificial cadmium plating of steel, cast iron, copper, and powdered metal components.
Cadmium Anode is a pure cadmium electroplating anode supplied as 2″ diameter balls for use in anode baskets in cadmium electroplating operations. Electroplated cadmium is a robust and versatile metallic coating that functions as a sacrificial anode on steel, cast iron, malleable iron, copper, and powdered metal substrates – the cadmium coating corrodes preferentially, protecting the substrate from corrosion before the base metal is attacked. Cadmium plating provides excellent corrosion resistance in marine and salt spray environments, good lubricity and low friction coefficient for threaded fasteners and mating surfaces, resistance to galling, and excellent adhesion for subsequent painting and sealing operations. It is widely specified in aerospace, defense, and military applications for fasteners, brackets, and structural components where the combination of corrosion protection, lubricity, and paint adhesion is required. The 2″ diameter ball form is a standard for cadmium plating anode baskets providing high surface area and consistent dissolution. Cadmium is a regulated substance and handling, plating bath management, and waste disposal are subject to environmental and occupational health regulations. Forms: 2″ diameter balls approximately 1.2 lbs each.
Available Forms
2 IN Dia. Balls Approx 1.2 Lbs. Ea.
Product Code
3010
Technical Info
Thermal Properties
Melting Point (Solidus)610°F (321°C)
Melting Point (Liquidus)610°F (321°C)
Physical Properties
Density (imperial)0.312 lbs/in³
Density (metric)8.65 g/cm³
Primary ElementsCd
Lead FreeYes
Key Features
Sacrificial Corrosion ProtectionMarine and Salt Spray ResistanceLow Friction for Fastener ThreadsAerospace and Defense Grade
Nominal Composition
99.95% Cd
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical inquiries regarding Cadmium Anode
Cadmium provides superior corrosion protection in salt spray and marine environments compared to zinc with approximately 2-3 times longer salt spray life at equivalent coating thickness. Cadmium deposits have a lower coefficient of friction than zinc which is critical for aerospace fasteners - consistent installation torque-to-clamp load relationships depend on predictable thread friction and cadmium's lubricity reduces galling and ensures repeatable fastener torque values. Cadmium also provides excellent paint adhesion without additional surface treatment.
Cadmium is classified as a hazardous substance under EPA regulations and a known human carcinogen under OSHA and IARC classifications. Cadmium plating operations are subject to EPA wastewater discharge limits, air emission controls for cadmium mist and fume, hazardous waste disposal requirements, and OSHA worker exposure limits (PEL 0.005 mg/m3 TWA). RoHS/REACH regulations limit cadmium in products sold in the EU and US military and aerospace applications maintain exemptions where no qualified substitute coating exists.
In the galvanic series cadmium is anodic (less noble) to steel, meaning when both metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte the cadmium dissolves preferentially while the steel cathode is protected. This sacrificial behavior extends protection to areas of mechanical damage, scratches, or pinholes in the coating. The protection extends several millimeters from a coating break unlike barrier coatings such as chrome or nickel that fail completely if penetrated.
Cadmium pellets in 5-20 mesh for vacuum deposition and electroplating. Used as sacrificial coating source for steel, cast iron, copper, and powdered metal substrates.
CDA 101 oxygen-free high-conductivity copper anode in nugget and 1″ ball forms. Used for copper electroplating of ammunition, coinage, electrical connectors, and decorative components.
Electrolytic Grade N nickel in 1/4″ x 3/4″ pellet form. Used for decorative and functional nickel electroplating providing corrosion protection, wear resistance, and high luster finish.
