Posted by Chris Capalbo on | Comments Off on Beyond the Surface: Exploring the Science and Benefits of Nadcap Cadmium Plating for Wear Protection
Nadcap cadmium plating is the process of applying a layer of cadmium onto a metal substrate to enhance its corrosion resistance. This plating method is certified by Nadcap, an accreditation program for defense and aerospace industries. It verifies that the plating process adheres to specific technical requirements and industry best practices established by regulatory bodies.
This article will examine the key characteristics of this Nadcap cadmium plating, including its advantages and the quality control measures enforced by Nadcap certification.
The Science Behind Nadcap Metal Plating
Nadcap plating involves a scientifically precise process of depositing a metal layer onto a substrate. This plating technique relies on electroplating, where an electric current reduces dissolved metal cations to form a coherent coating. In the case of cadmium plating, the substrate is the cathode, whereas cadmium ions act as the source of the plating material.
The science behind Nadcap cadmium plating includes material properties and surface chemistry considerations. Cadmium a relatively rare transition metal offers excellent corrosion resistance that is ideal in harsh environments such as aerospace applications. Its ability to form a stable oxide layer further enhances its protective properties.
Benefits of Nadcap Cadmium Plating
Here are the key advantages of this specialized cadmium plating technique:
Corrosion Resistance
Cadmium forms a protective oxide layer on the substrate’s surface, shielding it from corrosion caused by moisture, salt, and other corrosive agents. This makes it particularly valuable in aerospace and defense applications where components are exposed to extreme conditions.
Durability
Cadmium plating offers a durable coating that can withstand mechanical stress, abrasion, and temperature variations. This durability ensures the longevity of parts and components, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.
Lubricity
The lubricating effect helps minimize frictional losses and prevents seizing or galling of components. This property is highly advantageous in manufacturing fasteners, bearings, and gears, where smooth operation and extended service life are essential.
Conformity to Standards
Nadcap certification ensures that cadmium plating processes adhere to strict industry standards and specifications. This conformity guarantees consistent quality and performance, meeting the rigorous requirements of aerospace, defense, and other high-tech industries.
Cost-Effectiveness
While cadmium plating may involve higher initial costs than other coatings, its long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. It provides significant savings over time, making it a cost-effective solution for critical applications.
Quality Control Measures for Nadcap Cadmium Plating
Implementing the following measures ensures that Nadcap plating meets the stringent requirements of aerospace, defense, and other high-tech industries:
Process validation: Before the initial production, it is essential to validate the process to ensure it meets the required parameters for adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Documentation: Thorough documentation is conducted throughout the operation. This comprises thorough techniques, specs, and records of plating parameters.
Quality inspections: These inspections may involve visual examination, thickness measurements using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or eddy current testing, and adhesion tests such as ASTM B571.
Calibration of equipment: Plating baths, thickness gauges, and voltage meters are all calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Audits and reviews: These are conducted internally by the company’s quality management team or externally by Nadcap auditors to assess the effectiveness of quality control measures.
Choose New Method Plating for High-Quality Plating Solutions
At New Method Plating, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality plating services! With nearly 80 years of experience, we have established ourselves as an industry leader trusted by aerospace manufacturers. We also invest in state-of-the-art technology and employ skilled professionals to deliver superior results.
Posted by Chris Capalbo on | Comments Off on All You Need To Know About Nadcap Certified for Chemical Processing
Any manufacturer certified by the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (Nadcap) can guarantee high industry standards, especially in the aerospace industry. As a result, the company will get increased customer satisfaction, higher-quality products, and reduced prices.
Since 1931, New Method Plating has provided customers with high-quality precision electroplating and metal finishing services. Our Nadcap certification for all our services demonstrates our commitment to quality and dedication to meeting our customers’ needs as quickly as possible. Furthermore, we are an ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified aerospace and defense parts provider.
What Is Nadcap Certified for Chemical Processing?
The Nadcap accreditation is an industry-driven program in which highly qualified industry experts perform operating evaluations using process-specific criteria. It is administered by the Performance Review Institute (PRI), allowing it to establish stringent standards for chemical processing, including metal plating.
The process assessment of Nadcap ensures that all critical component processing, safety checks, and testing are carried out following standard procedures. It also includes recording, storing, and furnishing essential information per specification. This is accomplished by conducting stringent and in-depth audits on parts from receiving requests to final inspection.
What Is the Process of Obtaining Nadcap Certification?
Almost every aerospace prime and their major suppliers all over the globe now require Nadcap accreditation as a prerequisite for doing business. This prompted Nadcap to offer programs for testing labs, non-destructive diagnostics, heat treating, surface coating, chemical processing, and other applications.
To qualify for the Nadcap review, companies must possess a quality system certification — such as the AS9100 — or acceptable equivalents from a recognized third-party advisory committee. Suppliers who do not have the necessary quality system certification can add an extra audit day with the PRI to achieve the AC7004 aerospace quality system audit or the AC7006 laboratory audit.
Once a company officially requests an audit for a Nadcap certificate, it must follow a few steps. First, the audit will be arranged and scheduled, and the company will be assigned an auditor. Next, any non-conformity issues will be brought up, and non-conformance findings and reports will be issued after the audit. The PRI will then close out the non-conformance reports and submit the completed audit package to a task group, which will review it and vote on its approval.
Nadcap task groups are made up of individuals — prime contractors, government representatives, and suppliers — who are considered experts in the product, process, or service for which companies are to be audited. Their responsibilities for the accreditation program include the following:
Implementing the accreditation process
Recommending auditor hiring and training needs
Developing standards and checklists
Creating performance measures, metrics, and quality improvement
Lastly, when all non-conformances have been resolved, accreditation is granted to the company or supplier. The enterprises that have been given the auditing approval will gain new perspectives on their operational processes and a summary list of areas for improvement. Everything from system escapes to field failures is avoided through thorough assessment and methodical change, resulting in reduced part cost and process variability.
What Are the Best Preparation Techniques for a Nadcap Certification?
The Nadcap process assessment is a complex and time-consuming procedure. Often, the most difficult step is knowing where to begin. Here are a few techniques for adequate auditing preparation:
Identifying Key Documents and References
A recommended first step in preparing for an audit is to know which documents to refer to and which requirements to follow throughout the audit. Several websites provide useful information about Nadcap.
PRI gives access to various supplemental materials for reference during the Nadcap audit. These include documents on pre- and post-audit processes, detailed information on response timeframes, how to reduce the frequency of audits, what to do in the event of a failed audit, and other topics.
Consulting With Other Suppliers and Companies
Consultation with other suppliers can aid in exploring best practices for audit preparation. Attending at least one of PRI’s three annual meetings is one opportunity to discuss others’ audit experiences. If you cannot participate in a PRI meeting, you can read the meeting notes, which contain information on the discussions and decisions made on particular issues and guidelines.
Discussing other companies’ Nadcap audit experiences can benefit a company because it provides exposure to different points of view to better understand the process. Furthermore, constructive conversations about best practices and proposed methods contribute to better regulation and ensure consistent adherence to global quality standards.
Scheduling the Nadcap Audit
The official Nadcap audit can be scheduled via the official website following a thorough review of the relevant documents, reference materials, and other auditing notes. It is suggested to know the answers to the following questions:
During the audit, will you run real orders for an aerospace client or sample parts?
Have you identified the accreditation scope for which you wish to be audited?
Do you already have an approved quality system?
Have you allotted enough time to plan for and conduct an internal audit?
Understanding the Internal Audit Procedure
Knowing the specific internal audit requirements is crucial to preparing for the official Nadcap audit. Internal audits include quality system audits (such as AS9001 or AC7004) and live job audits. These include reviewing past surveys, system accuracy tests, leak assessments, maintenance logs, and historical jobs.
What Are the Advantages of Working With a Nadcap-Certified Company?
Obtaining a Nadcap certification is currently a challenge for small businesses. Many suppliers opt not to be accredited, either by declining audits after initial accreditation or by never becoming certified in the first place.
Audits can be costly, and committing to constantly evaluating processes and trying to manage audit tasks throughout the year can be time-consuming. Moreover, it can be a significant financial investment to update processes and procedures and a substantial time dedication for staff training and quality management.
As a result, finding a company that has gone through the process assessment is critical, as the primary goal of Nadcap is to ensure and sustain high-quality, standardized business practices that benefit both the company and its customers.
Here are other advantages that a Nadcap-certified company can provide you with:
Confirmed adherence to best practices
Ensured high-quality processes based on proven methodologies
Guaranteed optimum industry standards
Guaranteed safe chemical processing services
Improved product quality
Increased customer satisfaction
Reduced prices through increased standardization
New Method Plating’s Nadcap Accreditation and AS7108 Certification for Chemical Processing
The Nadcap for chemical processing is the most recent in a series of Nadcap monitoring and assessment designed to standardize auditing and guarantee that suppliers keep up with new technologies and compliances. To become Nadcap-certified, New Method Plating went through a rigorous accreditation process.
Our Nadcap credential for chemical processing certifies that our procedures adhere to industry standards and that our products and services have been thoroughly checked. This includes the following:
Chemical processing
Resistance welding
Measuring
Testing
Calibrating
Documentation
Partner With New Method Plating: A Nadcap-Certified Chemical Processing Company!
New Plating Method is a Nadcap-accredited metal finishing, electroplating, and aerospace parts provider with ISO 9001:2015 AS9100 certifications. We collaborate with customers to develop custom finishing solutions that maximize their products for various conditions and applications.
Contact us today if your company needs high-quality metal finishing services in the aerospace and defense industries. Our team will review your prints, provide price quotes and lead times, and answer any questions you have about our company and capabilities!
Posted by tmswebsiteadmin on | Comments Off on Why Choose Cadmium Plating?
Cadmium is a versatile metal used in various industrial applications, including batteries, alloys, and pigments, with electroplating being the most common. Although it is highly toxic and should not be used on surfaces that come into direct contact with food, cadmium provides superior protection to industries constantly subjected to harsh conditions.
In this article, we will walk you through the fundamentals of cadmium plating, including its process, benefits, applications, and types.
What Is Cadmium Plating?
Cadmium plating, also referred to as cadmium electroplating, is a type of metallic coating with distinct and advantageous properties. In this process, cadmium undergoes electrodeposition onto the metal from a formula with electrolytes and cadmium salts in vats or barrels. These electrolyte solutions are based on the cyanine alkaline system. However, there are other solutions, such as fluoroborate-based systems, but the results may need more brightness and power.
Another method is mechanical cadmium plating, which uses mechanical energy to apply coatings to components. This application is ideal for clips and fasteners that are small enough to be plated within a barrel. Finally, this process can be carried out using ion or vacuum deposition, in which cadmium is heated inside until it vaporizes. The process is followed by condensing cadmium atoms, forming a thin film of high-quality coating as its by-product.
Benefits of Cadmium Plating
Cadmium plating is a sacrificial coating, which means it corrodes and degrades before the underlying material, providing a layer of protection to the metal below. Furthermore, it offers several advantages, including the following:
High resistance to saltwater corrosion
Provides adhesives with an exceptional bonding surface
Excellent electrical conductivity
High solderability level
Built-in lubricity, which prevents galling and yields a low-friction surface
Natural resistance to mold and bacteria
Can coat dissimilar materials, complex shapes, and difficult-to-reach contours with ease
Applicable in an ultra-thin, lightweight layer
Industries & Applications of Cadmium Plating
Cadmium electroplating is used in several industries, including:
Military and Aerospace
Cadmium electroplating’s anti-corrosive properties and natural lubricity make it ideal for critical in-flight applications. In addition, its adhesive properties make it particularly useful for bonding materials to aircraft aluminum frames.
Automotive
Cadmium plating is commonly found in disc brakes and hoses in modern high-performance automobiles, tractor-trailers, and other modes of transportation because of its corrosion resistance.
Marine
Cadmium plating has excellent resistance against saltwater corrosion, making it ideal for marine applications.
Electronics
Cadmium electroplating’s conductivity makes it an ideal choice for electronic connectors and relays. It is also used to manufacture batteries for cell phones and laptops.
Construction and Manufacturing
Cadmium coats many standard components in industrial construction, such as hardware and industrial fasteners. It is also present in prefabricated products used in various manufacturing environments.
Types of Cadmium Plating
The post-treatment colorization of cadmium coating is referred to as the plating type. Cadmium plating comes in three different types and classification levels, which are as follows:
Type I
Type I, also referred to as “as plated,” is the standard color scheme for cadmium plating. Therefore, no additional color treatment has been applied to this type.
Type II
This type of cadmium plated is iridescent yellow. The quality of this treatment is evaluated by spraying salt on the exterior of the plated component and then inspecting for corrosion after a 96-hour waiting period.
Type III
This cadmium plating is used as a paint base and has a supplementary phosphate colorization.
Choose New Method of Plating for Precision Electroplating
New Method Plating Company has maintained our leadership position as one of the most exquisite specialty platers in the New England region by constantly improving our facilities, equipment, and staff. We also have such a strong commitment to quality and pride in our craftsmanship that we can provide our customers with the highest quality electroplating and metal finishing services.
Posted by tmswebsiteadmin on | Comments Off on Why You Should Only Work With An AS9100-Certified Plating Company
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Every business aims to enhance clients’ satisfaction and earn long-term trust from customers. The key to doing this is to back up products and services with official certifications that prove adherence to high quality and standards. For instance, the AS9100 certification is an integral standard in implementing aircraft suppliers’ Quality Management Systems (QMS) in the aeronautics and aviation industries.
New Method Plating Company, Inc. has a strong commitment to quality. Over the years, we have ensured to continuously strive for excellence by upgrading our facilities and equipment, continuously empowering our team, and working hard to achieve essential certifications, including AS9100, to maintain our reputation as the finest specialty platers in the New England region.
What is AS9100 Certification
The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) released AS9100 based on the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standards. ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, which is a global federation of technical bodies that prepare international standards.
AS9100 and ISO 9001 are both specifications for creating a QMS; however, AS9100 is customized for aviation, space, and defense organizations. Products made with AS9100-certified QMS have guaranteed quality, improved services, and met customers’ demands, increasing their satisfaction.
Advantages Of Working With An AS9100-Certified Company
A QMS or Quality Management System is a collection of a company’s rules, established procedures, and records that outline how it serves its market. The AS9100 standards give a company set guidelines for ensuring high-quality products or services. Beyond quality assurance, here are some other advantages of choosing an AS9100-certified company for your plating needs.
Guaranteed customer satisfaction
Recommendation by aerospace regulators
High efficacy of products or services
Secures better supplier relationships
Assurance for continuous development and innovation
New Method Plating Is An AS9100-Certified Partner
New Method Plating Company, Inc. services the aerospace and military defense sectors, and being AS9100-certified assures our current and future clients that a credible external certification authority has verified our QMS to meet the requirements to acquire contracts and deliver quality plating products and services.
In 1999, the AS9100 standard was published. It was regularly upgraded over the years until the most recent version, AS9100 Rev D, was released in 2016, which supplements the 2015 requirements. To date, New Method Plating is updated with all the AS9100 certification requirements and adheres to its latest version, which entails the following compliances:
Accountability of top management
Anti-counterfeiting measures
Effective communication
Human factors consideration
Informational substitution of preventative action with risk-based reasoning
Organizational context
Purchasing flow-down
Quality management program
Safety-minded
Supplier Monitoring
Trust New Method Plating’s AS1900 Certified Metal Finishing Capabilities
New Method Plating provides high-quality metal finishing. To ensure that our products and services satisfy each of our customer’s demands, we adhere to strict quality requirements and have been certified and accredited by internationally acknowledged authorities.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our industry-standard certifications, which include AS1900 certification, ISO 9001 certification, Nadcap AS7108, Mil-Spec, and more! We are certified to work with cadmium plating specifically and other metals, including nickel, zinc, chrome, and copper. Aside from our precision electroplating services, we also offer sandblasting, vapor degreasing, passivation, and chemical film coatings services.
Contact us to learn more about our services and credentials, or request a quote today for your next specialty plating and metal finishing project.
A Family owned and operated business, New Method Plating Company has held a strong commitment to quality. Over the years, we have continued that tradition of excellence by upgrading our facilities, our equipment, and our staff to maintain our leadership position as one of the finest specialty platers in the New England region.
