FOCUS ON SURFACE FINISHING
A 2m-tall bespoke stag sculpture ( plasma-cut from 2mm hot rolled mild steel sheets ) was galvanized in October last year .
as advanced and novel in our approach to sustainability , focusing on our people , our planet and our profits . As part of this wider commitment , Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is on a carbon-reduction journey towards net zero . It has made some significant advances and investments across its national network of 14 plants . Developments include the introduction of high-velocity Smart Firing technology , which has resulted in 35 % carbon emissions reduction .
Smart-fire furnaces analyse and monitor temperatures , heat exchangers transfer waste heat back into the galvanizing process , lagged tanks retain heat and low-temperature
Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd
Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years . With 14 plants strategically placed across the country , the firm offers a national galvanizing service .
degreasers work just as productively with an innovative chemical which requires lower temperatures .
To further complement our sustainability strategy , we are one of the only lead- and chrome-free galvanizing companies in the UK , and are also rolling out electric manual handling equipment ( such as forklift trucks ) across the group . n
Sheet metal dragon
SA Fabrications was commissioned to create a bespoke dragon sculpture , designed to stand pride of place during a National Open Gardens event in the UK last June . As the sculpture was permanently outside and exposed to the elements , Humber Galvanizing Ltd ( part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd ) was called upon to protect it against rust and corrosion . Fabricated mainly from sheet metal ,
the dragon stands at almost two metres by two metres and weighs an incredible 500kg .
“ After much planning and preparation , we sent the dragon to Humber Galvanizing where it was hot-dipped in molten zinc at 450C , which ensures that it will be able to withstand the elements for up to 70 years ,” confirmed SA Fabrications . “ Afterwards , it was powder coated in antique silver to enhance the intricate details of the monster .”
During the galvanizing process , the molten zinc metallurgically bonds to the steel , which provides a unique and sustainable finish that has great resistance to damage and long-term protection against corrosion .
A sheet metal dragon sculpture galvanized by Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd .
Three commemorative community benches in Rotherham last Summer were hot dipped into the galvanizing plant ’ s molten zinc bath at around 450 ° C to protect the steel from rust and corrosion . www . wedge-galv . co . uk
48 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2024