If you are working with a ferrous material, you can feel confident it is suitable for the hot-dip galvanizing process. Materials such as cold-rolled steels, cast steels, malleable iron, hot-rolled steels, and cast iron can all be properly protected using hot-dip galvanizing. The structural steel shapes like those made with high strength and low alloy material will be hot-dip galvanized once the fabrication process is complete to achieve the long-lasting and durable layer of protection that’s offered by the zinc coating.
The Galvanized Coating
The galvanized coating has a basic reaction between the molten zinc and steel that results in several zinc-iron alloy layers. These are typically covered by a solidified zinc layer. For the majority of hot-rolled steels, the part of the coating that is the zinc-alloy is going to make up between 50 and 70 percent of the total coating thickness. Remember the devices used for the process matter and finding a quality galvanizing furnace manufacturer is a key step in this process.
Understanding Varying Steel Compositions
The steel compositions will vary based on service and strength requirements. The main elements found in steel, like the carbon-silicon will affect the galvanizing techniques needed, along with the appearance and the structure of the galvanized coating. For example, with certain elements being in the steel, they may result in a coating that’s nearly or all a zinc-iron alloy.
Galvanizing a surface isn’t a new process. It’s been around for many years and used for an array of purposes because of the benefits it offers various metal components. For the right application, it’s important to find the right equipment and tools, and understand the varying outcomes that may occur. This can ensure that everyone achieves the desired results with their galvanized metal items, regardless of what or how they will be used.
