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Original Date: 04/06/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Information : Ion Vapor Deposition
In 1991, the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) implemented an initiative to replace the traditional Cadmium plating of components with Ion Vapor Deposition of Aluminum (IVDA). This initiative was funded by the U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency as a more environmentally friendly and efficient means of protecting component surfaces.
The IVDA process eliminates the inclusion of Zinc (Cadmium) particles in the waste stream. Before IVDA, this waste stream typically consisted of an average flow of 1,000 gallons per day at a cost of $91,250. It reduced personnel contact with Zinc (Cadmium) and Cyanide compounds and met Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Several other benefits of IVDA, as opposed to Cadmium, have been realized. Corrosion protection of components was increased by as much as 400%. The components’ surface temperature capabilities have doubled, and the introduction of Hydrogen and the resultant embrittlement of parts have been eliminated. Parts are loaded onto racks on air pallets that are then loaded into the sealed vacuum chamber.
Cadmium plating is still a requirement in some cases, and use of IVDA has to be approved on a part-by-part basis by the Program Manager.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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