TNN does not Galvanise. We can outsource and project manage your Galvanising needs as a part of our other services.
When your steel is hot dipped and galvanised, there is a protective layer of zinc added to the steel. Once this is done there is no need for any other spray or paint on the steel. There is also no need to wait for them to dry. Galvanising is hugely popular because it can be executed within a short deadline and it is easier to inspect before it goes into your project.
Most people use harsh chemicals to treat their metals to prevent corrosion but for steel, there is no need to treat it with harsh chemicals. In this article, you will learn the hot dip galvanising process, why it is important for your project, and how we provide the best custom engineering and galvanising service.
Hot dip galvanising process
Hot dip galvanisation is a form of galvanisation that is prized all over the world due to its durability and corrosion resistance. But as strong as the finished products are, the process is simple. Hot dip galvanising consists of three steps which are:
Surface Preparation
The first process of hot dip galvanisation is the amount of effort put into the preparation. If there is poor surface preparation, it can cause the galvanisation to fail. The purpose of these surface preparation is to obtain a clean possible steel surface by removing all of the oxides and some contaminating residue.
Thorough surface preparation is important because zinc will now react if there is the presence of unclean steel. Cleaning steel to prepare for the hot dip galvanisation consists of three steps:
Degreasing
The first thing to do is to immerse the steel in a degreasing bath like an alkaline caustic solution to remove any contaminants like dirt, oil, and grease from the steel surface. After this, the degreasing steel is rinsed with water.
Pickling
The next thing that is done to the steel is that it is pickled in a dilute solution of solutions like sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. Through this process, oxidation will be removed from the steel, and once it has been removed, then you rinse it again with water and then move to the final stage of the surface preparation.
Fluxing
In this stage, the steel is dipped in a flux. The function of the flux is to flush away all the oxidation developing during the pickling of the steel and to prevent any possible oxidation to enter the steel.
Galvanising
The second process of hot dip galvanisation is galvanising. Once the surface is prepared, the next thing to do is to immerse the steel in molten zinc. The chemistry of this immersion must meet the standard, requiring 98.5% of pure zinc and a standard temperature. During the immersion, the zinc will react and bond with iron in the steel to form a hard alloy that strengthens and protects the steel.
In case there is the presence of excess zinc, the zinc is removed by draining, and vibrating but the reaction continues as long as the steel is around the gage of the temperature as the time it was immersed. The galvanised pieces of steel are usually cooled by immersing them in water or by opening them in the air.
Inspection
The final hot dip galvanisation process is inspection and it is also the easiest and quickest. Once the galvanised product is cooled by the temperature in which it was immersed, the surface of the product or that of steel is removed by a method called filing. You need to understand that the use of excess filling can damage the coating.
What Does Galvanising Do?
Galvanising has been in existence for more than 150 years now with numerous examples of galvanising material used in many environments. Galvanised steel is all around us and it is mostly used in industries like energy plants, oil and gas, rail, road, and sports. Galvanising steel also plays a vital role in building bridges, balconies, gates, facades, and sculptures. Anywhere there is a risk for corrosion of steel, galvanising can be used.
Effective Reasons to Use Galvanising
Galvanised steel has a strong coating of zinc. This is what makes strong protection for steel that is intended to have a long service life that is easily inspected. Here are the top six benefits and factors for your next plan to choose galvanised base metal.
Lower Costs
Galvanising is lower in cost than other commonly specified corrosion protection for steel. The galvanising service is fast and saves a lot of time and money.
Extremely Long Life
Galvanising coatings on steels and other metals can last for at least 50 years and this is only achievable if you continually protect it against any corrosive elements.
There is Less Maintenance Required
Galvanising like hot dip galvanisation is self-maintaining, thicker, and lasts longer than other options. The maintenance for any galvanised product like steel is inevitably lower.
Reliability
Galvanised metals and steels are usually long-lasting and can work everywhere. The surface and quality of the plan can be assured right from the beginning. Galvanising is reliable because it protects the steel and gives it a strong coating thickness. However, the coating life and performance are reliable and predictable.
Immediate Use
One of the benefits of steel and other metal galvanisation is that once the galvanisation process is complete, the steel is ready to be used.
Multiple Uses
Galvanised steel and metals can also be used in various types of projects like gates, security walls, balconies, auto parts, and pipes.
What is Galvanised Steel?
Galvanised steel is a type of steel that has passed through the process of galvanisation by the application of zinc coating through its body. This application is what protects it from rusting. A steel that is galvanised has a longer life and durability compared to that which is not galvanised. The application of zinc on the steel body is what is called “galvanisation”. This process was firstly done in France and England in 1837 through a method of “hot dip galvanisation.”
Get the Galvanised Steel and Metal You Need in Brisbane
At TNN Engineering, we can supply the best galvanised steel products needed for your project throughout any location in Brisbane. Our fabrication workshop is conveniently located a couple of minutes away from one of Brisbane’s largest galvanising plants and we can include this service if required. Other finishes we offer include powder coating, wet spray top coat, and non-slip coatings.
You’ll also save money on maintenance, storage, and other fees by letting us handle the galvanising of the steel parts of your custom job so you can focus on your project.
Contact us today to see how we can help you with your next project.
