laser etch through cadmium plate coating

[brin]

has anyone heard of issues regarding use of laser marking (etch) on steel parts that have already been cadmium plated?

thanks

 

[swall]

There is a health issue, as cadmium fumes are toxic.

 

[tomwalz]

Cadmium has a low melting point and fumes before it melts.

It is one of the few proven carcinogens.

You better check on your state P.E.L. (permissible Exposure Limits).

Also Cadmium fumes deposit as dusts which then are easy to disturb and spread further.

Cadmium is problem inbraze alloy and I have a bunch of references if you wish them. I believe there is still an American Cadmium Council.


Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

 

[brin]

thanks swall & tomwalz. I'll talk to the vendor to see how they deal with toxic fumes. Are you aware of any metallurgical issues with overheating cadmium on a steel surface? The metals handbook refers to "liquid metal embrittlement" but I'm not sure if this would qualify. Comments?

Thanks

 

[swall]

Molten metal embrittlement from cadmium has been known to occur in plated steel fasteners used at elevated temperature. Without knowing more about your components and service environment, it is not possible to make a prediction.

 

[JTreglio]

Suggest you seriously consider an alternative to cadmium plating. Several alternatives are now offered, including aluminum and nickel-zinc. ASM International and the National Association for Surface Finishers (NASF) are holding a joint meeting in January (Surface Engineering for Aerospace and Defense) where some of the alternatives will be presented.

Jim Treglio