We all know that iron and steel will rust from environmental conditions (wind, sun, ice, snow…etc.) and they are corrosive over time, therefore, their surfaces need to be protected from damage. Corrosion prevention is also an essential factor in the economic utilization of metals. Definitely, Galvanization is the best solution for this issue because it is the most effective corrosion system with a long maintenance-free lifespan. Here are the Benefits of galvanization
What is galvanization?
Galvanization is a chemical process, where a coating of zinc is applied to steel or iron to protects their surfaces from corrosion and rusting. There are many galvanizing processes available, the industry offers hot-dip galvanizing. Yet the most offered and used one is hot-dip galvanizing.
Why using zinc?
Simply because it is very resistant to corrosion.
The steps in the galvanizing process are as follows:
- The steel should be cleaned in a degreasing solution.
- After that, the steel is pickled by being lowered into a vat of diluted hot sulfuric acid.
- Then the steel is fluxed in an aqueous solution; zinc-ammonium chloride.
- After the flux, the steel is galvanized through immersion in a vat of molten zinc.
- Finally, the steel is inspected for consistency and a complete coating.
Benefits of galvanization:
- Low cost
Galvanization is lower in cost than stainless, it is also lower in the first cost than other protective coatings for steel. For that, galvanizing is getting cheaper compared with painting.
- Durable
It needs less maintenance and it also prolongs the lifecycle of galvanized materials; it is one of the most durable forms of corrosion protection on the market. Normally an average coating thickness of 85 microns, the same thickness as a sheet of A4 paper can protect steel for 50 years. This coating thickness will meet the corrosion performance required in many applications in Canada.
- Complete coverage
Galvanization is formed by dipping steel in molten zinc, all parts of the component are coated inside, outside, narrow gaps, and awkward corners. Galvanized steel structures remain also protected, even in their most vulnerable areas, the process of galvanizing can achieve complete coverage of a component, both inside-out, the corners, and edges.
- Environmental sustainability
The most important characteristic of Zinc is that; it is a natural recyclable substance.
- Speed of application
The protective coating process requires hours, so it is better than complicated paintwork that might take a week. Fortunately, Galvanized steel is ready to use, no time is lost on-site in surface preparation.
- Toughest coating
A full protective coating can be applied in minutes, and its process is not dependent on weather conditions. In addition, a galvanized coating has a unique metallurgical structure that gives outstanding resistance to mechanical damage in transport, it does not require cooling and reapplication of additional layers.
What industries utilize galvanization?
- Bodies of cars, bicycles, drinking water pipes.
- Cool rolled sheet metal, nuts, bolts, tools, and wires of all kinds.
- It is also used in steel frame buildings, create balconies, verandahs, railings ladders, staircases, fences, roofs, outdoor walkways.
- Wind and solar industries, agriculture industry.
- In modern architectural designs like gutters, poles, rails, fencing.
- Telecommunication industry like phone lines equipment.