FOCUS ON SURFACE FINISHING
DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE
We highlight three recent galvanizing projects in the UK by Wedge Group Galvanizing in the automotive ; art / sculpture and architecture sectors .
The Baboon sculpture was hot dipped in molten zinc .
“ Galvanizing is a hygienic solution that offers durability ( a permanently bonded tough coating ); long life ( 70 yearsplus maintenance-free ) and low overall costs .”
Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest UK galvanizing organisation with 14 plants strategically placed throughout the UK and a history dating back over 150 years .
“ We have 16 Class One galvanizing baths throughout our plants which are all lead-free . We have the largest galvanizing bath in the UK at 21m long , enabling us to galvanize structural steel of up to 29m in length . We also have a dedicated spin galvanizing plant and a fleet of over 100 vehicles which can collect and deliver steel ; we can also deliver straight to site ,” it told ISMR .
In this article , we highlight three recent galvanizing projects in the UK by Wedge Group Galvanizing in sectors such as automotive ; art / sculpture and architecture .
Why galvanize ?
“ It is estimated that up to four per cent of the world ’ s GDP is lost through corrosion each year , a fact that makes lifecycle costs a key consideration in many modern construction projects . Sustainability is also a significant factor when choosing materials and contractors due to ethical decisions as well as enforced regulations ,” the Group explained .
“ Hot dip galvanizing has long been seen as the most environmentally friendly finishing process available to prevent corrosion . Galvanizing is highly sustainable and produces minimal waste ; any zinc that does not instantly form a coating on the metal remains in the galvanizing bath for re-use . The non-ferrous properties of the metal make it indefinitely recyclable without loss of physical or chemical properties ,” it added .
A multi-million-pound leisure centre , with hot-dipped steel sections by Scottish Galvanizers Ltd , was unveiled in Helensburgh this January .
Galvanized products , once constructed or installed , can also be removed , re-galvanized and re-used . They are also easily recycled with steel scrap in the steel production process . Galvanizing offers durability ( a permanently bonded tough coating ); long life ( 70 yearsplus maintenance-free ); value for money ( low overall costs compared to other coatings ) and a hygienic solution ( easy-to-clean surface ).
The process is relatively simple , straightforward and closely controlled . The thicknesses ( weights ) of coatings formed are regular , predictable and simply specified . A full protection coating can be applied in hours ; a complicated paint system can require a week . The coating is also tough ; the hot dip process produces a coating which is bonded metallurgically to the steel . Galvanized steel therefore has high resistance to mechanical damage during handling , storage , transport and construction ( an important factor when steelwork is to be shipped around the world ).
“ Because it is formed by dipping steel into molten zinc , all parts of the surface of the steel are coated — inside , outside , awkward corners and narrow gaps which would be impossible to protect in any other way . The coating tends to build up at vital corners and edges , rather than thinning out as is often the case with brushed , sprayed and other dipped coatings ,” explained the Group .
Galvanized steel also simplifies inspection of the protective finish . Thicknesses , specified through EN ISO 1461 , can be easily checked with an electronic probe .
“ Additionally , because hot dip galvanizing takes place after a product has already been fabricated , the steel is coated with a tough and abrasion-resistant zinc coating externally and internally . This means that the steel product arrives on site ready for immediate use . No further site surface preparation , painting , touchup or inspection is necessary , and installation can begin immediately ( speeding up the construction time ),” added the Group .
58 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2023