PROCESS
Process
Prepared items are galvanized by immersion in molten zinc. The surface of the work is completely covered, producing a uniform coating of zinc and zinc-iron alloy layers whose thickness is determined principally by the mass of the steel being galvanized. This is an important advantage of the galvanizing process – a standard minimum coating thickness is applied automatically.

Prepared items are galvanized by immersion in molten zinc. The surface of the work is completely covered, producing a uniform coating of zinc and zinc-iron alloy layers whose thickness is determined principally by the mass of the steel being galvanized. This is an important advantage of the galvanizing process – a standard minimum coating thickness is applied automatically.
The molten zinc in the galvanizing bath covers corners, seals edges, seams and rivets, and penetrates recesses to give complete protection to areas which are potential corrosion spots with other coating systems. The galvanized coating is slightly thicker at corners and narrow edges, giving greatly increased protection compared to organic coatings which thin out in these critical areas.
All material processed by Galco Steel is in accordance with I.S. EN ISO 1461: 2009
Preparation The galvanizing reaction will only occur on a chemically clean surface. Like most coating processes the secret to achieving a good quality coating lies in the preparation of the surface. It is essential that this is free of grease, dirt and scale before galvanizing. Visual inspection of galvanized products shows that work is completely protected and gives an excellent guide to overall coating quality. |

Galvanizing When the clean iron or steel component is dipped into the molten zinc (at 450°C) a series of zinc-iron alloy layers are formed by a metallurgical reaction between the iron and zinc. Upon withdrawal from the galvanizing bath a layer of molten zinc will be taken out on top of the alloy layer. This cools to exhibit the bright shiny appearance associated with galvanized products. When the clean iron or steel component is dipped into the molten zinc (at 450°C) a series of zinc-iron alloy layers are formed by a metallurgical reaction between the iron and zinc. Upon withdrawal from the galvanizing bath a layer of molten zinc will be taken out on top of the alloy layer. This cools to exhibit the bright shiny appearance associated with galvanized products. |
Quench Items are quenched in a mild sodium dichromate solution to prevent the onset of wet storage staining during the early life of galvanizing. |
Final inspection The newly galvanized steel is sight-inspected and hand filed to the end use requirements. |
Coating When the reaction between iron and zinc has ceased and the article is taken out of the galvanizing bath complete with its outer coating of zinc, the process is complete. In reality there is no demarcation between steel and zinc but a gradual transition through the series of alloy layers which provide the metallurgical bond. |
Performance Toughness – the coating bonds metallurgically with the steel giving a much greater resistance to damage than other coatings. |
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Over the past 50 years, Galco has become a recognized leader offering high quality equipment and systems. We are dedicated to exploring the latest construction technologies to generate cost savings for clients.