Hot-dip galvanising

creating thin layers of zinc by depositing one metal on top of another

all industries, especially steel structures in building industry

Hot-dip galvanising is the process of applying a thin layer of zinc to a workpiece.

The first preparatory step in the process is cleaning and degreasing the workpiece by shot blasting or vibratory grinding so that the surface is free from sand, rust, remnants of previous coatings or traces of gas corrosion. If this is not sufficient, the material should be flux-treated by bathing in a solution of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride, which will remove any residual oxides. The final stage of preparation is drying at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius.

After these preparations, the workpiece is immersed in a liquid zinc bath heated to approximately 450 degrees Celsius. This allows an immediate reaction between the zinc and iron, resulting in an alloy layer on the surface of the part. After a few minutes, the part is removed from the bath and dried.

Alternative technologies
  • long-term protection of the surface layer of galvanised components
  • no maintenance is required
  • high strength and impact properties
  • relatively low process price
  • need for post-treatment (e.g. removal of streaks)
  • possible deformation of components
  • the need to prepare the structure at the design stage
  • steel
  • structural elements of bridges (beams and load-bearing elements)
  • steel rebar
  • machine components
  • frames
  • structural details
  • road barriers
  • posts
  • galvanising station
  • power source
  • training in coating application

Water consumption

Energy consumption

Waste generated

Competitiveness

Usability

Environmental impact

  • none
  • none