Hot Dip Galvanizing
Steel is used to provide a strong and long-lasting basis for our structures. Solid steel is a strong and long-lasting material, yet it is not indestructible. Over time, rust can accumulate on steel structures, jeopardizing their structural integrity.
Galvanization is a rust-prevention procedure that involves treating steel with zinc. Zinc is a corrosion-resistant and cost-effective metal that serves as a sacrificial barrier between rust and the steel substrate. Before the rust can reach the substrate’s surface, the zinc layer will oxidize and disintegrate. The dissolved zinc electrons move to the steel that has to be protected.
What Is Hot-Dip Galvanizing?
Hot-dip galvanization (HDG) is a type of galvanizing that is particularly effective at preserving carbon steel. The steel substrate is immersed in molten zinc in the hot-dip galvanization process. The zinc in the steel reacts with the iron in the steel to generate an alloy with good corrosion resistance (carbon steel is around 90% iron).
What Are the Benefits of Hot-Dip Galvanization?
Using hot-dip galvanizing to coat steel has numerous advantages:
Durability — Hot-dip galvanizing can safeguard steel structures and components for a long time. A galvanized coating can protect against corrosion for 50 years or more.
Toughness — A hot-dip galvanized coating is thick and makes a strong metallurgical link with the steel substrate. This reduces the danger of external pressures causing harm.
Low maintenance – A galvanized coating requires little to no preventive maintenance, resulting in lower long-term service and upkeep expenses.
Thorough surface coating — Hot-dip galvanizing, unlike certain other regularly used coating/finishing processes, can cover the full surface of the substrate, including fissures, edges, sharp corners, and recessed areas. This results in more consistent protection and increased corrosion resistance.
Fast application — Hot-dip galvanizing takes only a few hours to complete, and the finished product is ready to use/install right away. This assists businesses in sticking to their tight manufacturing or production schedules.
Affordability — Many other popular steel coating processes have higher upfront costs than hot-dip galvanizing. The technique delivers an exceptionally cost-effective protective solution when combined with minimal long-term maintenance costs.