One of the most useful and widely used treatments for steel and stainless steel is zinc plating, designed to protect a material’s surface from corrosion and wear. The name refers to the material used, zinc, which on contact with steel provides dual protection: a barrier against the weather and cathodic protection through electrochemical action. Zinc plating is a complex procedure in metal and steel processing, but also the most widespread and effective of all.
Before zinc plating, the material must be smoothed and cleared of any bulky external parts to make it easier to immerse the metal in the zinc bath. There are two types of zinc plating, hot and cold. Let’s look at the differences.
Hot or cold zinc plating?
Hot-dip galvanising involves immersing the parts in tanks of molten zinc at about 450°C. The extreme heat promotes alloying between steel and zinc and makes the protection much stronger and more durable. Hot-dip galvanising is said to protect the metal for at least 20 years. The only risk is that the material may distort, but smoothing the metal beforehand significantly reduces that risk.
Cold zinc plating is carried out by electrolysis, immersing the parts in a zinc salt solution activated by electric current. This way, the metals do not distort or have holes blocked.
Why zinc-plate metals?
Treating steel and stainless steel is very important because it produces a material that will last a long time. Steel is naturally strong but also delicate and malleable, and easily worn when exposed to external agents.
Depending on your needs and the type of material, you can choose cold or hot zinc plating: in both cases the result will be excellent and the metal will have a long life. Whatever the end use, always choose the best protection to ensure a strong product that lasts.