Zinc and galvanized: what is the difference?

Difference Between Zinc And Galvanized. Let's take a look together.

What does galvanized mean?

Galvanization is when a protective zinc coating is applied to steel or iron to prevent rust. The most common method is hot-dip galvanizing. This is when the metal parts are completely immersed in the molten zinc bath. Galvanizing (also known as electro galvanizing) is the process of applying zinc by using an electrical current. Although it does provide some protection against rust, its thinner coating is not as rust resistant as hot-dip galvanized. Its main advantages are cheaper and easier to weld.

Be careful when choosing your product! The fact that it says "galvanized" does not mean that it is "hot galvanized". Electro galvanizing is another term for galvanizing. Therefore, when you see "galvanized", use the newly acquired knowledge to ensure that it is hot-dip galvanized rather than electro-galvanized.

What can be galvanized?

Hot-dip galvanized or galvanized can be used in any building from small nuts and bolts to the girder. The steel is placed in a large bath, where it is coated. If it is galvanized, it will be dull gray and a bit rough. Galvanized products will have gloss and smoothness. Even if it is a bit ugly, hot-dip galvanized products still have the best rust protection.

What are the differences in the galvanizing process?

Whether the steel is hot-dip galvanized or galvanized, it can be prepared by a similar method. Clean the steel in an acid bath to remove all oil, paint, grease, mill scale (small pieces of metal), and rust.

After hot-dip galvanizing the steel, immerse it in a molten zinc bath at 450°C. Steel and liquid zinc are combined due to high temperatures. Steel and zinc are combined into one. On the other hand, zinc plating is immersed in a cold chemical solution of zinc and a layer of zinc is applied using electric current. The thickness of the coating is in microns or micrometers (μm). Zinc plating requires a minimum thickness of 5μm (.005mm) and a maximum thickness of 25μm (.025mm). Coating steel of any thickness will become too technical and expensive. The minimum thickness of hot-dip galvanized is 45μm (.045mm), more than 100μm (.1mm)

What does this mean for you (and your fence)? Hot-dip galvanized products will have a thicker coating, which means a longer service life. Hot-dip galvanized coating provides excellent corrosion protection.