Hot Dip Galvanizing — The Best Galvanizing Method
Hot Dip Galvanizing (HDG) is an essential process in the world of steel. If you want steel consumables to stick around in good shape for the longest time then hot dip galvanizing is a must. By definition, the process entails the immersion of clean or fabricated steel in liquefied hot zinc. The zinc-iron alloys transform into layers created as a byproduct of a metallurgical reaction between zinc and iron, thereby becoming a dynamic coating that acts as the protective gear on the steel. It is a well-known fact that steel applications are used in various industries and environments. For the metal to deliver in terms of durability and performance, the hot-dip galvanizing process works as an enabler, assisting the steel to stay protected and rust-free. Of course, there are more than a handful of reasons that demonstrate why hot-dip galvanizing is the best galvanizing method in the business. In this blog, we intend to shed light on some of the mainstay facts and benefits thus validating the aforesaid statement.
First things first, steel is a widely-used building material that demands a significant amount of design liberties. To achieve this, the metal must be exposed to measures and means that enable it to withstand the pressures of internal and external agents. The hot-dip galvanizing method is the best remedy in the market as the combination of a zinc-iron coating ensures that steel continues to remain corrosion-free which, as any knowledgeable professional would add, is imperative for steel so that it can have a service life exceeding 50 years. Speaking of, hot dip galvanizing is known to facilitate three kinds of anti-corrosion protection — cathodic safety, barrier protection, and zinc patina.
While on this subject, it must be mentioned how the hot-dip galvanizing routine provides the steel with the ability to derive anti-corrosive qualities. Similar to other coatings, hot dip galvanizing creates an isolated barrier on steel that gives it the fundamental protection against rusting. The zinc coating — which is tightly bonded by default — is the responsible element; it sticks to steel in such a manner that any corrosive damage becomes difficult. In the case of cathodic protection, it implies that zinc becomes one with the steel material. In simple words, the zinc is a sacrificial ingredient that protects steel no matter what. So, let’s say if someone was to scratch the steel, the surrounding zinc layer will act up and make the steel corrosion-resistant. With regards to the zinc patina level of protection, it refers to the formation of zinc’s byproducts which emerge as a result of zinc getting exposed to different environments. The presence of zinc’s byproducts contributes to further slowing down the corrosion process and works like an environmental shield. When the zinc patina gets fully formed is when the hot-dip galvanized steel with corroding at nearly 1/30th the rate in the same surroundings.
Hot dip galvanizing has the industries’ vote of confidence because it is a method that equips steel with increased durability. Irrespective of how harsh the conditions may — hot and cold — you can count on hot-dip galvanizing to deliver on the account of endurance. The coating makes the steel abrasion-resistant and gives it complete coverage. Owing to the metallurgical reactions, the bond between the iron and zinc alloys makes coating harder and therefore more ductile, and has more impact absorption. The unity between iron and zinc play an integral role in giving steel unmatched abrasion resistance. Another upside of the hot-dip galvanizing method is because steel gets fully immersed in the molten zinc solution, the coating is uniform on all sides. Tubular and hollow structures are subjected to complete coating and coverage.
Unarguably, steel is used in some of the most hazardous environments, and yet it demands minimal maintenance and has a long shelf life. Thanks to the hot dip galvanizing method, the steel corrodes at the slowest rate imaginable. Interestingly, the aftereffects of hot-dip galvanizing remain impactful even when steel structures are dug into soil, concrete, or submerged in water. Research states that the longevity of steel is determined by the surroundings it is exposed to. And it most cases, galvanized steel is most likely exposed to several agents thriving in the atmosphere. However, because of the implementation of the hot dip galvanizing method, the anti-corrosive quality and overall protection of steel can go up to 100 years. In other words, you do not have to overspend on steel maintenance for up to a century.
The fact that hot dip galvanized steel has two leading elements — zinc and steel — works in favor of industries as both these natural resources are available abundantly. What’s more, both zinc and steel are 100 percent recyclable resources, and no chemical or physical properties are lost in the process. Long story short, hot-dip galvanized steel is environment-friendly, and can be used time and again as it is a renewable resource. Considering steel and zinc’s environmentally-friendly trait, it would make sense to state that both these natural resources are ideal for companies that want to comply with socio-economic and environmental preservation protocols. Based on the highlights of hot dip galvanizing, and how much positively it impacts steel, it can be reiterated that hot dip galvanizing is the best galvanizing method right now.
