PROCESS

HOT DIP GALVANIZING
Hot dip galvanizing dates back to the 1800s for the protection of steel. It is the process of applying a zinc coating to fabricated iron or steel material by immersing the material in a bath consisting primarily of molten zinc. Galvanizing is considered a factory-controlled metallurgical combination of zinc and steel that provides corrosion protection in a wide variety of environments. It also provides cathodic protection where the zinc sacrifices itself to protect the base steel. Galvanizing has had a proven history of industrial success as a method of corrosion protection in countless applications. It can be found in almost every industry where steel is used.

7STEP PROCESS:

• PREPARATION
  First the surface of the product must be properly prepared. This entails the removal of all oil, grease and soluble paints with a hot alkaline cleaner. Sandblasting may be necessary if other finishes such as mil varnish and paint coating exist.
  
  
• FIRST RINSE
  This is a water rinse before going to the pickle tank.
  
  
• PICKLING
  Next the steel is pickled in an acid bath in order to remove scale and rust. We have an acid capacity of five sulfuric acid tanks, two hydrochloric tanks, and one caustic tank.
  
  
• SECOND RINSE
  After Pickling it is then rinsed in a tank of approximately 5-10% acid solution to prepare it to be galvanized.
  
  
• PREFLUX
  Zinc ammonium chloride is used in the final flux step of the surface preparation. Fluxing removes oxides and prevents further oxides from forming on the surface of the material prior to galvanizing and promotes the zinc bonding of the zinc to the materials surface.
  
  
• GALVANIZING
  Once the product is fully prepared it is immersed in a bath consisting of a minumum of 98% pure molten zinc. The kettle temperature is maintained at about 840°F. Fabricated items are immersed in the kettle long enough to reach kettle temperature. The articles are slowly withdrawn from the galvanizing kettle and the excess zinc is removed by draining.
  
  
• :: COOLING ::
  
  
• INSPECTION
  The most important method of inspection for galvanized material is visual. Then it is checked for thickness, uniformity and adherence of coating, and appearance. Products are galvanized according to the long established and approved standards of The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)