Hot dip galvanizing is a process that coats steel with a protective layer of zinc alloy to protect it from corrosion. It is a relatively simple and cost-effective process, and the resulting benefits will last for decades. If you are interested in setting up a hot dip galvanizing plant, there are a few things you need to know to ensure success.
First and foremost, the steel itself must be thoroughly inspected to ensure that drainage and venting requirements are met. It is important to clean the steel prior to hot dip galvanizing plant to ensure that there is no dirt, oil, grease, rust, paint, or mill scale on the pieces. Cleaning is usually accomplished by dipping the steel into a hot alkaline solution that removes dirt, oil, grease, shop oil, and soluble markings.Designers and steel detailers can incorporate best practices to reduce stresses induced during bending, hole-punching, rolling, and shearing prior to hot-dip galvanizing. The American Galvanizers Association (AGA) has recommendations for the inspection of hot dip galvanizing steel products that address inspections of the visual appearance of the galvanizing. Renovation (Repair) of deficiencies is also addressed.
Successfully painting or powder-coating hot-dip galvanized steel does not have to be difficult or confusing. Proper surface preparation is crucial to ensuring effective adhesion. The two keys to proper surface preparation are cleaning (to remove surface contaminants and zinc corrosion products) and profiling (to allow good mechanical bonding).In conclusion, hot-dip galvanizing can provide long-lasting corrosion protection. Zinc is an excellent galvanic protector that sacrifices itself to protect the steel. If the quality of both the galvanizing process and finished product is not controlled and verified, then its ability to protect is compromised, and the expected service life may not be achieved. By following expert tips and ensuring that the essentials are met, you can start your galvanizing venture today.