The Steel Journey Through the Galvanizing Process

The Process of Galvanizing
For hundreds of years, hot dip galvanizing has been the finish of choice for protecting steel in a variety of industries and for a plethora of projects. Thanks to its abundance of benefits, it boasts impressive sustainability efforts, lifecycle value, and protection from rust and corrosion for generations.
While we often talk in-depth about the advantages of galvanizing, what does the process actually involve and what can business expect when bringing their steel projects to Wedge Group Galvanizing?
Design Stage
Ideally, the galvanizing process shouldn’t be viewed in isolation, but instead as a key consideration at the design stage of the project. Due to the nature of the zinc coating, some parts may need extra venting or drainage points.
Making these amendments at a later stage can pose an unforeseen challenge in terms of extra cost and time, which may be especially detrimental when tight deadlines are involved.
That’s why we offer free advice and guidance on best design practice to ensure you always receive quality galvanizing, and the team is always on-hand to provide additional pointers and support.
Collection and Delivery
Prior to the galvanizing process starting, the item(s) must arrive safely at the plant. As we galvanize projects of all shapes and sizes, we have a fleet of over 100 vehicles able to provide a collection service, if required.
Once complete, delivery is also available to site, allowing for a seamless transition of the completed galvanized item to its intended location - and minimising the potential for damage.
Chemical Clean
Once safely arrived at the plant, the steel must go through a thorough chemical clean to remove any existing rust, oil and mill scale from the surface. Then the galvanizing can officially begin.
Hot Dip in Molten Zinc
After preparation is complete, the steel object is dipped into a bath of molten zinc heated to around 450°C (860°F) which allows for a metallurgic bonding to be created. No other coating has the ability to do this, meaning that the unique galvanizing process offers the greatest resistance to mechanical damage during handling, storage, transport and construction.
The steel component is then removed from the bath and left to cool in a quench tank.
Spin Galvanizing
At Wedge Group Galvanizing, we also offer Spin Galvanizing (or Centrifuge Galvanizing), which is used on smaller steel parts, such as nuts, bolts, and screws. The same process is followed but the items are placed in baskets so they’re not lost in the vast bath.
Once removed, the basket is placed in a centrifuge and spun for several seconds, eliminating any surplus zinc material from the surface. Not only does this prevent the items from sticking together, but also ensures a smooth finish - essential for items with threads (such as nuts and screws) where excess zinc would hinder their purpose and usage.
Fast and Predictable
The process of galvanizing is relatively straightforward, able to be easily replicated time and time again - this reliability is why it’s so widely trusted. Due to this predictability, many projects can be turned around quickly, meeting even the strictest of deadlines.
Protection for Generations
The galvanized coating weathers at a very slow rate, meaning it protects the steel from rust and corrosion for more than 70 years - even in the harshest of conditions.
Plus, it also provides Sacrificial Protection, meaning that as the zinc corrodes it sacrifices itself to protect the steel which reduces the risk of sideways creep of rust, which other coatings (such as paint) are susceptible to.
Conclusion
There’s a reason that galvanizing has been the finish of choice across the globe for hundreds of years. Not only does it boast an abundance of benefits, but it’s also relatively straightforward, seamless, and trusted, meaning that the very best results are guaranteed time and time again. Businesses and individuals eager to invest in the future of their projects understand that the galvanizing process is unique in being able to consistently provide this.
If you want more information about the galvanizing process, or to find out if it’s the right finish for your next project, do get in touch with one of the team: [e-mail]