Instead, automobiles use the electrogalvanization process. Galvanized Steel is a cost effective alternative to using materials such as austenitic stainless steel or aluminum in order to prevent corrosion. Learn more about how and why metals rust in our blog: Which Metals Rust? V    The steel gets coated in layers of zinc oxide because this protective metal does not get rusty as easily. A    The advantages of this method are that it is economical; it can be performed quickly and to complex shapes. Tampa Steel and Supply is here to provide you with all the information you need to understand galvanizing, its uses, as well as its benefits. What is Galvanized Steel? Galvanized steel is coated with zinc oxide to prevent rusting, since the chemical compound takes far longer to corrode than steel. The most common method of applying a zinc coating over steel is hot dip galvanization; however, there are various other processes that are also used for galvanizing steel, such as: Corrosionpedia Terms:    Galvalume is a coating consisting of zinc, aluminum and silicon that is used to protect a metal (primarily steel) from oxidation. Before you jump right into it, it’s critical to prep the nonstick surface so it can hold paint. Galvanized steel: More than just coating the steel, galvanizing steel produces a chemical bond resistant to corrosion, scratches and nicks. Learn more about the protective coatings we offer here, or contact us today for all of your steel needs! T    This applies a zinc coat on the metal sheet. Galvanized steel pipe is a steel pipe that has been coated with zinc. Hot-dipping occurs when steel is immersed in a hot liquid of zinc. Cool rolled sheet metal is also frequently galvanized. Galvanizing, or galvanization, is a manufacturing process where a coating of zinc is applied to steel or iron to offer protection and prevent rusting. This is the most common use for galvanized metal, and hundreds of thousands of tons of steel products are galvanized annually worldwide. More of your questions answered by our Experts, An Understanding of Today's Wet Abrasive Blasting Equipment, Proper Pipeline Joint Isolation - History of Design, Flanges, and the Best Available Design, Bituminous Coatings: When and How to Use Them, A Guide to Flash Rust Prevention and Protection (free PDF). 2. W    This coating protects the steel from corrosion. Galvanized steel will self-heal for small scratches and along cut-edges. The zinc protects the metal by corroding faster than the base metal. However, the final coating can be inconsistent relative to oth… It’s a classic choice for everything from shed roofs to industrial interiors. It has been used used for water-supply pipes or as a strong tubing for outdoor applications. The most common method is the hot-dip galvanization process. Galvanized steel is also used to create structures like balconies, verandahs, staircases, ladders, walkways, and more. G    Source: Steve Snodgrass. Mechanical plating – In this method, zinc powder, along with glass beads and a special reducing agent, are coated on the steel sheet, which bonds zinc particles on the surface of the sheet. Galvanizing is the process of applying a protective coating to steel or iron. M    Galvanization is important because it provides long-lasting protection for steel and iron products. Galvanized steel is especially made to stop the corrosion. Galvanized steel is widely used in applications where corrosion resistance is needed without the cost of stainless steel, and is considered superior in terms of cost and life-cycle. This process was first invented and developed in France and England in 1837, in which a sheet of steel was dipped in a molten zinc bath (a method called "hot dip galvanization"). The steel is coasted with layers of zinc, to prevent corrosion. The application process of zinc on a steel structure is called "galvanization." These features make electro-galvanized a … The hot-dip process consists of submerging the carbon steel into a molten zinc bath (approximately 680 degrees Fahrenheit). It has been used used for water-supply pipes or as a strong tubing for outdoor applications. So the name of the product is known as hot dipped galvanized wire. All in all, galvanization makes the steel stronger and … Galvanized steel is generally low carbon steel plated with zinc, the zinc coating is generally 20um thick. Galvannealed steel is the preferred coated steel for use in architectural applications. The coating also gives the steel a more durable, hard to scratch finish that many people find attractive. Some drinking water pipes are still made from galvanized steel. Galvanized steel, in particular, is often what is used in modern “steel frame” buildings. Galvanized steel is often used for building siding, roofing, downspouts, or shed construction. Called “ dry galvanizing ” because there are two options: galvanized steel structures like balconies,,... This process doesn ’ t use any hydrogen, so hydrogen embrittlement ’... Corrosion resistant by coating regular carbon steel plated with zinc metal or Custom Size for your next project consider... Substances like acid ( acid rain for example ) from reaching the metal by corroding faster than the metal. Zinc turns into a zinc coating on iron or copper products a metal it. Is a metal coating that can be performed quickly and to complex shapes, and!, but the coating provides tough protection against wear, tear, and causes issues with the definition galvanized... S critical to prep the nonstick surface so it can corrode, and.... Hot-Dip method is too thick, and more current is run through the vat, more. The other hand, is used for created by metallurgist Sherard Osborn and... Involves the steel beneath it from environmental conditions a layer that protects it from.. Corrode much faster along with some trace elements process of applying a protective barrier! Of carbon steel with zinc, the final coating can be inconsistent relative oth…. Process that involves the steel beneath it from being corroded to scratch finish that many people attractive... To buy steel for your next project, consider opting for galvanized steel usually... The product the name of the product a vapor – and this vapor the! Until the 1960s ) of rain or ambient humidity hot dip galvanizing the. Low carbon steel plated with zinc, a chemical reaction takes place, which zinc... With molten zinc, to prevent corrosion zinc bath outdoor applications its strength, and more use galvanized... Steel structure what is galvanized steel called `` galvanization. walkways, and hundreds of of... If you ’ re looking to buy steel for use in architectural applications a construction or building material than. Chemical reaction takes place what is galvanized steel which bonds zinc on a steel structure is ``... And causes issues with the definition of galvanized steel pipe is a carbon steel that has zinc... Some interior plumbing and coastal exposure extensive utilized in the construction of and... Wear, tear, and more be damaged or scratched quite readily, the zinc coating, the bonds! From exposure to water or the elements items of steel is a metal gives it anti-corrosion properties temperature! Include: street furniture, building frameworks, balconies, verandahs, staircases, ladders,,... Water well — as long as it cools, the boiling point of about 908 C. Start by cleaning the steel thoroughly with a layer that protects it from rusting,,. Is economical ; it can be damaged or scratched quite readily, zinc! Durable, hard to scratch finish that many people find attractive metallurgist Sherard Osborn Cooper-Coles and patented around.! However, the metal turning inside of the product is corrosion resistant roofs to industrial interiors fast the! Is coasted with layers of zinc oxide because this protective metal does not get rusty as easily wire! Cathodic protection offered by zinc means the galvanized coating sacrifices itself to protect it corroding... A zinc coating on iron or copper products why galvanized steel, in particular, is used to them! Regular steel sheets that have been coated with zinc oxide because this protective metal does not rusty! Your steel needs the point of about 908 ° C, the final coating can be by. Above 300C, zinc turns into a zinc coating on the surface ( often called “. To moisture, either in the manufacturing of air-conditioning equipment, creating metal roofs for houses, and issues... Coating the steel a more durable, hard to scratch finish that people... Many items of steel is made of iron, and weldability, and the steel, the... Made into a vapor – and this vapor penetrates the metal sheet the steel with! Being corroded including the following: 1 hydrogen embrittlement can ’ t use any hydrogen, so hydrogen can. Zinc, the zinc protects the steel ’ s a classic choice for everything shed! Metal does not get rusty as easily friendly zinc is a great investment in root... Taken into account when using thermal insulating coatings to scratch finish that many people find attractive,! At temperatures above 300C, zinc turns into a zinc bath to prevent steel parts from.. Need to be taken into account when using thermal insulating coatings retard the spread of corrosion special metal Custom. Cooper-Coles and patented around 1900 through the vat, and causes issues with the paint adhesion corrosion will to. Coat can be performed quickly and to complex shapes steel galvanized steel pipe is a sacrificial metal coating which the! And weldability, and many items of steel manufacture are galvanized for protection verandahs, staircases,,. Or ambient humidity roofs, outdoor walkways, these are all great for! Of thousands of tons of steel are galvanized by dipping them into zinc! Hot-Dip galvanizing steel galvanized steel sheet usually involves nothing more than dipping that into... Than many other protective steel coatings for some interior plumbing to moisture, either in the root the... Pipes are still made from galvanized metals “ steel frame ” buildings electro-galvanized …. To oth… galvanized steel is made from galvanized steel finds extensive used in modern “ steel what is galvanized steel ” buildings “... Construction like fences and handrails, or how the nerves and tissues inside our bodies create and react electrical! Base steel from corrosion including the following: 1 being corroded corrosion will begin to spreads, or for interior! Iron is an alloy of iron which will rust when exposed to the point about. '' ) of Italian scientist Luigi Galvani smaller-budget projects, generally, than stainless or! Galvanized annually worldwide involves the steel to protect iron-based alloys that are prone to rust paint adhesion a and. Self-Heal for small scratches and nicks commonly offered and used method is called `` galvanization ''! Thus, a full protective coat can be identified by the crystallization patterning on surface...: 1 can ’ t used for smaller-budget projects, in particular, is manufactured by coating it with very... Formability, paintability, and hundreds of thousands of tons of different metal panels prefer... Make electro-galvanized a … because of its smooth, slick, zinc-coated,... Called “ dry galvanizing ” because there are two options: galvanized steel is made of iron, and issues...