ELECTROPLATING , ANODISING & GALVANIZING
Galvanized steel is strong , durable , and weldable
– which is why it ’ s frequently the adopted finish of choice for many projects and sectors across the country globe . From construction and architecture , marine and rail , right the way through to fencing , access equipment and renewable energy .
However , like most metals , steel is vulnerable to corrosion and rust when exposed to the atmosphere , resulting in the need for a sustainable protective finish in the form of galvanizing to remove the need for regular maintenance and ensure longevity ( and subsequently provide better overall lifetime costs compared to alternative finishes such as powder coating ).
What is Galvanizing ?
Hot Dip Galvanizing is a process developed to prevent steel from corroding and involves the coating of steel with a layer of zinc by immersing the metal in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of around 450 ° C . During the process , a metallurgical bonded coating is formed which protects the steel from rust and corrosion .
How does it work ?
Before the process can take place , the steel goes through a thorough chemical clean to remove all rust , oil and mill scale from the surface . When the cleaning process has been completed and the cleaning solution has been rinsed off , the coating process can begin . The steel is then fluxed and dipped into a bath of molten zinc that has been heated to around 450 ° C ( 860 ° F ). The galvanized steel is then removed from the bath and left to cool .
What are the Benefits of Galvanizing ?
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Long Life
Galvanizing produces an easy to clean surface which can give a maintenancefree life of over 70 years . Whole life costs are reduced because there is no need for the expense , down-time and inconvenience of repeated and regular maintenance intervals , which makes galvanizing the most versatile and economic way of providing protection for long periods
� Reliable
The process is relatively simple , straightforward and closely controlled . The thicknesses ( weights ) of the coatings formed are regular , predictable and simply specified . Hot Dip Galvanizing is one of the few coatings which is completely defined by a British Standard ( BS EN ISO 1461 )
� Tough
Galvanizing is unique . The hot dip process produces a coating which is bonded metallurgically to the steel , which results in far greater resistance to mechanical damage during handling , storage , transport , and construction than any other finishing process
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Three-Way Protection
Galvanized coatings protect steel in three ways :
The coating weathers at a very slow rate giving a long and predictable life
The coating corrodes preferentially to provide cathodic ( sacrificial ) protection to any small areas of steel exposed through drilling , cutting or accidental damage ; scratches are sealed by weathering products from the zinc
If the damaged area is larger , the sacrificial protection prevents the sideways creep of rust which can undermine paint coatings
� Complete Because the process works by dipping steel in molten zinc , every part of the steel ’ s surface is coated - inside , outside , awkward corners , and narrow gaps - which would be impossible to protect in any other way
� Sustainable Not only does galvanizing lengthen the lifespan of steel by protecting it against rust and corrosion for many decades , but it ’ s extremely energy-efficient throughout its production and whole lifecycle . The process uses resources considerately to ensure a relatively low environmental burden , and galvanized steel can easily be recycled with steel scrap or re-galvanized , removed , and reused elsewhere .
Proud to be the UK ’ s largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation , Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd has a national network of 14 sites strategically located across the country . Privately owned and with a history dating back over 150 years , the company has built an enviable reputation for providing a reliable and trusted galvanizing service .
Acrow Galvanizing Ltd B . E . Wedge Ltd East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd Edward Howell Galvanizers Ltd Humber Galvanizing Ltd Manchester Galvanizing Ltd Merseyside Galvanizing Ltd Metaltreat Galvanizers Ltd Newport Galvanizers Ltd Scottish Galvanizers Ltd South East Galvanizers Ltd South West Galvanizers Ltd Wessex Galvanizers Ltd Worksop Galvanizing Ltd
For further information please contact Wedge Group Galvanizing on 01902 601944 or visit www . wedge-galv . co . uk .
42 AUGUST 2021 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag