Galvanising or galvanisation involves the applying of a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent corrosion or rusting. The most common method for achieving this is hot-dip galvanising, which involves submerging metal parts in a bath of molten zinc.
Galvanising metal fabrication is used by many metal fabricators to ensure manufactured steel parts are properly protected from the elements which, over time, will cause corrosion. It is not the only protective coating product or method, however, there are many reasons to consider galvanising over other coating products and processes.
What is Galvanizing?
Galvanising metal fabrication involves dipping steel into a bath of liquified zinc. The zinc reacts with the steel, and dries to form a protective seal over the metal that will significantly reduce corrosion.
In effect, the zinc coating works as a sacrificial anode that protects the metal (A sacrificial anode is an easily corroded material that is deliberately applied to a metal product to be sacrificed to corrosion, leaving the rest of the system relatively corrosion free). So, the galvanised coating process prevents any corrosive materials from touching or affecting the steel.
Here are 6 benefits of galvanising for metal fabrication projects.
1] Galvanising saves time
Unlike some metal coating processes, galvanising is relatively quick and easy. One dip in and out of a zinc bath, and the metal project is protected. This compares favourably with other coating processes that need to be painted or sprayed on and can take a significantly longer time.
The drying process of galvanising is faster than other processes. After being dipped, the galvanising takes only one day to set. Other coatings can take days and may require special treatments.
2] Galvanising is cost efficient
As mentioned above, galvanising metal fabrication projects are faster than other protective coating processes. That means it will help streamline the entire metal fabrication process, saving money on labour hours.
What’s more, the products used in galvanising tend to be less expensive than other metal preservation products. Coupled with the longevity of the coating (we’ll talk about that next), there are actual money savings because the coating will not need to be replaced for a long time.
3] Galvanising lasts a long time
In general, and with usual use, galvanising metal fabrication lasts longer than other treatment processes – that means your metal fabricated product will last longer. Once steel is galvanised, it is well protected from corrosion for a long time, so long that most fabricators will give a long-life guarantee to their galvanising.
4] Galvanised steel is easy to maintain
Many steel products require ongoing chemical treatments or cleaning to maintain the steel or prevent corrosion. The great thing about galvanising is that the steel has a protective cover that will last a significantly long time. Usually, the only maintenance required to keep the product looking good and working properly is a wash and wipe down every so often.
5] The quality of galvanised coating is easy to inspect
Hot-dip galvanising means your metal fabricated product is completely immersed in zinc. Once removed it will have a continuous coating. The coating’s bright silver colour means it can be visually inspected for flaws or gaps which are easily seen and can be immediately rectified.
Having said this, the complete immersion does mean that flaws or missed spots in the coating are rare. This, once again, results in a streamlining of the galvanising and inspection processes, making overall fabrication faster.
6] Galvanising looks great
The matte-grey colour of galvanised coating will give your metal fabrication project a clean, strong and durable look. For this reason, most people choose not to paint over galvanising, preferring the bare zinc look that matches most surroundings.
Unlike some protective coatings used on metal, the silver galvanising colour won’t fade. A quick wipe down and it will always come up looking near to new. Having said that, if a different colour is required, galvanised steel can be successfully painted or powder-coated.
At North Harbour Engineering, Auckland, we will discuss the best protective coating for your metal fabrication project. We can hot-dip galvanise almost any sized project or part.
We are specialists in all areas of steel fabrication, sheet metal and manufacturing, and have built an impressive reputation for innovation, our ability to simplify complex engineering challenges, and we make things happen.
