What is Galvanized Steel: An Informative Guide
Steel is a very common type of metal used in different industries, but have you ever heard of galvanized steel?
Well, it is also steel with an added layer over it to protect it and enhance its properties. If you are looking to learn about galvanized steel, you can read the guide below.
What is Galvanizing?
Before we learn about what is galvanized steel, let's first understand the term galvanizing. Basically, galvanizing is a process of manufacturing in which a layer of zinc is deposited on steel so that it can protect it against corrosion and rusting.
Galvanized steel is commonly opted because of its exceptional properties like its durability, formability, strength and corrosion resistance. The addition of the layer of zinc makes steel more durable.
Galvanized steel is a highly versatile form of steel which makes it suitable for industries like solar, construction, automobile and agriculture.
Advantages of Galvanized Steel
Some of the benefits offered by galvanized steel are as follows:
- The layer of zinc on steel adds rust resistance, creating a layer of protection that helps defend the components against moisture and other contaminants.
- The lifespan of galvanized steel is longer. It can last for more than 50 years when subjected to moderate conditions and more than 20 years when subjected to severe conditions.
- The galvanized steel doesn't need any added maintenance.
- When you look at galvanized steel, its strength is evident in its appearance.
Limitations of Galvanized Steel
Along with advantages, there are some downsides of galvanized steel too, which are as follows:
- Some steel components may not be galvanized due to being too big or too small.
- Galvanization requires precision. If sufficient time is not allowed for the process to take place and set the layer, the thickness of the coating may not be very effective.
- The layer of coating added to the steel may not always be smooth enough to appeal and sometimes leaves behind a rough surface.
Steps in the Galvanizing Process
The galvanizing process steps are as follows:
- The steel to be galvanized is first cleaned by dipping in a degreasing fluid.
- Once the steel is clean, it is pickled with sulfuric acid, which is hot and diluted.
- After that, the steel is fluxed in the solution of zinc aluminum chloride.
- Once it is fluxed, the layer of molten zinc is used to galvanize the steel.
- After it has cooled down, the treated steel is then inspected to check the uniformity of the coating.
Different Methods of Galvanizing
There are different methods of galvanizing, each having a different application and process. These methods are as follows:
Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing method involves applying a layer of zinc coating on steel sheet or steel components.
The steel components and sheets are passed through a molten zinc bath which is then left for cooling. A strong bond of zinc is created with the iron present in steel.
This process creates a layer of protection on the steel to protect it against corrosion and it doesn't need any added finishing process.
It is mostly opted for brackets, flooring in industries, guardrails and fixings.
Galvannealing
Galvannealing is a combination of annealing and hot-dip galvanizing process.
It creates a special type of coating on the sheets of steel. The finished steel sheet creates a zinc iron alloy and has a surface that is dull and matte.
The process starts by dipping the steel in a hot bath of zinc and then it is left in the oven for annealing.
Galvannealing is used in various applications like marine, welding, and other stress-oriented applications.
Pre-galvanizing
The pre-galvanizing process is also known as mill galvanization, and it is performed during the production stage of metals.
The components that are pre-galvanized are from bars and sheets of steel.
The process is performed on a larger scale and is very quick. The sheet metal is rolled in a cleaning agent, and the sheet is prepared to pass through zinc in molten form, which is then recoiled.
It is used for such steel components which have a specified shape before they are cut.
Electro Galvanizing
In the process of electro-galvanization, the zinc coating is applied through electroplating.
The steel is dipped in a solution of zinc salt and electric current is passed to create the layer.
The reaction between the zinc salt and steel creates a layer of zinc which is very thin. This type of zinc layer is used in frames of doors and switchboards.
Galvanizing Advanced High-strength Steel
When galvanizing advanced high strength steel, the coils of steel are first prepared by cleaning them and then are dipped in the pot of zinc and chemical treatment.
After this, the steel is left to be tempered, and it produces a high-quality surface on the steel.
Applications of Utilizing Galvanized Steel
Some of the applications of galvanized steel are as follows:
Autoindustrie
Galvanized steel ensures resistance against rust and corrosion, which makes it suitable for use in automobile bodies.
Almost 80% of the body of a vehicle has galvanized steel, and hence, it has a vital significance in the automobile sector.
Construction Industry
Galvanized steel is highly durable; hence, it is quite popular in the construction industry.
It is also opted for the aesthetic look it offers. Hence, various architectural layouts consist of opting for galvanized steel in fences, poles, rails, gutters and other structural components.
Telecommunication Industry
The process of maintaining the phone lines is a hefty task and hence to maintain them, galvanized steel can be used.
The application of galvanized steel reduces the risk of damages and also ensures that the lines are maintained.
Schlussfolgerung
Galvanized steel plays an important role in a lot of applications because it is durable and wear resistant.
If you are looking to get galvanizing services for steel components, DEK should be your go-to option.
Our galvanization process is versatile, and we can customize steel parts for your applications.
FAQs
Does galvanized steel rust?
Galvanized steel doesn't rust very quickly; it will take more than 50 years to rust due to the added layer of zinc over it.
What is special about galvanized steel?
Galvanized steel is a type of steel which has anti-corrosion properties due to the added layer of zinc over it.
Is it better to use galvanized or stainless steel?
It depends on your application, but stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel.
Which is better, aluminum or galvanized steel?
When compared to aluminum, galvanized steel is much better.
