Galvanization is the process of applying a zinc coating to prevent rusting. Like most other forms of corrosion protection, the zinc acts as a barrier between the steel and the atmosphere around it. Galvanized steel can be welded, but it emits toxic fumes. Galvanized steel is suitable for high temperatures, right up to 200°C. Galvanized steel can be identified by the crystallization pattern that appears on the surface, often called spangle.
Galvanizing outlasts many different coatings like paint, and can reduce maintenance costs with the product. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a galvanized product to last 70 years. Even if your product is larger than the galvanizer’s tank, it can usually be half dipped in then removed and the other half dipped. There are design considerations if you want your product hot dip galvanized. For example, the fabricated steel must allow the flow of the cleaning chemicals and molten zinc metal over and through it. This means that holes put in the proper location for draining and venting of zinc. There are other design considerations for having your product galvanized. If galvanizing is something that interests you, contact us and we can send a comprehensive list of the design considerations. We are here to help you.
The two main methods of galvanizing are hot dip, and electro zinc coating. Hot dip requires the steel product to be dipped into a bath of molten zinc. Electro zinc coating involves running a current through a zinc/saline solution with a zinc anode and steel conductor. Hot dip typically produces a much thicker layer of zinc on the product, this is important if there are strict dimensional constraints. Our experienced supplier know which method is best for your product. Ask us about having your product galvanized before we send it to you.