Have you heard of galvanizing, but are unsure of what it means? Look no further, as we cover everything to know about galvanizing here.
Galvanizing, or galvanising (UK spelling) is a metal protection process that involves coating steel or iron with a layer of zinc. The zinc layer acts as a barrier for the metal, protecting it from rust and corrosion.
Hot dip galvanizing is the most established method of galvanizing. Most steel finishing providers in the UK offer hot dip galvanizing rather than its alternatives.
There are many stages to hot dip galvanizing, but in summary, it can be divided into four stages: cleaning, fluxing, galvanizing, and post-treatment.
First, the metal is cleaned and degreased, using an alkaline solution that is heated with the residual heat from the galvanizing furnace. The cleanliness of the alkaline solution is maintained, as it continuously flows through an oil separation unit to remove residual oils.
After this, acid cleaning takes place with tanks containing hydrochloric acid. Inhibitor is added to reduce chloride emissions, reduce maintenance of the facilities and improve working conditions for our employees. Spent acid – meaning acid that has become weaker from the cleaning process – is reused, neutralising alkali wastes from other processes.
Once the steel has been cleaned, it is dipped in a flux solution. A flux solution is made of zinc-ammonium chloride which, like the alkaline solution in the cleaning process, is heated with residual heat from the galvanizing surface. The fluxing process removes the remaining traces of oxide and helps prepare the metal for the zinc bath.
After fluxing, the metal is dipped into a bath of molten zinc. This process forms a metallurgical bond between the zinc and the steel, which means the atoms between them chemically bond instead of just applying a surface coating. This process creates a durable, corrosion-resistant finish that can withstand extreme temperatures, harsh environments, and corrosion.
Finally, an optional follow-up coat such as paint or powder coating can be applied. While not part of the galvanizing process itself, post-treatment further increases the metal’s durability and corrosion-resistance.
Post-treatment can also include quenching and passivation. These are also optional, but can help preserve the steel further and protect against wet storage stains.
We’ve created a useful animation that showcases the hot dip galvanizing process.
The above process applies for hot dip galvanizing, but there are numerous types of galvanizing, including:
Joseph Ash Galvanizing offers a range of galvanizing services to meet your needs, from small components to large structures. Our team of experts use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure that your products are galvanized to the highest standards. Galvanizing is also environmentally friendly, using minimal energy and producing no hazardous waste.
Whether you are in the construction industry, transportation, or manufacturing, Joseph Ash Galvanizing can provide you with a high-quality galvanizing service that will protect your metal products and increase their lifespan.
Get a quote on hot dip galvanizing your steel. Or, if you’re ready, book a collection with us today.
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