Similar to powder coating, hot dip galvanisation, also known as HDG is designed to lengthen the life of a steel product. The process certainly isn’t something new, in fact it’s been around for more than 150 years which goes to show that some processes should never be interfered with.
What is hot dip galvanisation, exactly?
It’s a procedure which involves immersing or dipping the steel into a bath of zinc which has been heated to a temperature of around 460˚. Once the zinc has cooled back down it metallurgically bonds to the steel to form a protective layer. Now you know what it is, let’s take a look at 10 of the best reasons to choose hot dip galvanisation for your product.
- Extends life of product
Galvanised steel is easy to clean, maintenance free, and has the ability to last for up to 50 years, making it a hassle-free product.
- Lowest lifetime cost due to zero maintenance
The benefits of zero maintenance is particularly significant for structures located in remote or difficult to access areas. This is particularly true of structures such as electricity pylons where there are stringent safety rules to adhere to.
- Fast application
The galvanised procedure can be completed in a couple of hours as opposed to days for a more complex finish. This makes it the ideal choice for projects with tight deadlines.
- Complete coverage
Because the steel is dipped all of the surfaces are completely and evenly coated unlike other finished where awkward corners and difficult to reach areas may end up with no coating or a thin layer, at best.
- Easy inspection
Because of the procedure of hot dipping, it’s easy to inspect its condition. If the coating looks sound and even, then it stands to reason that the metal is good underneath.
- 3-way protection
Hot dip galvanising provides protection in 3 ways. First any wear or tear is at a very low rate, secondly, any corrosion is preferential providing better protection to any small areas of meal which may have been exposed. Lastly, the galvanised zinc coating prevents any rust from creeping sideward if any small surface area is exposed to the elements.
- Coating is tough
Because the zinc bonds metallurgically with the steel the result is one super tough coating. It’s hugely resistant to damage incurred during handling or storage which makes it the perfect option when steel is being shipped or transported all over the world.
- Competitive costs
Hot dip galvanising is a fairly simple, non-labour-intensive procedure which doesn’t necessitate the use of expensive equipment or materials. For this reason, it’s a far more economical option that applying several layers of a different finish. These savings can be passed direct to customers.
- Reliability
The entire process is relatively straightforward, closely controlled, and simple to apply. The thickness of the coating is easy to specify and measure which means reliable results are consistently easy to achieve.
- Faster construction
Once the steel has been dipped and left to cool, it’s ready to use right away. Unlike other finished, no prior preparation such as painting, polishing or inspection is necessary, making it the ideal choice for rush jobs.
For further information about hot dip galvanisation or if you have a fabrication project which needs completing, please contact the experts at Metro Steel. We’ve been in the industry for a great number of years and have the knowledge and skills to execute your plans quickly and efficiently. Call us today on 07 3204 1000 or visit us at our purpose-built facility at Kabi Circuit and let’s talk.