poczta@prometalform.eu
+48 95 762 08 61
+48 95 762 08 61
Modern technologies of metal working
Laser beam cutting
Laser cutting of tubes and sections
Robotic welding
Sheet metal bending
+48 95 762 08 61
Laser beam cutting
Laser cutting of tubes and sections
Robotic welding
Sheet metal bending
Zinc coating is one of the most popular methods of protecting metals from corrosion. This process involves covering the surface of the metal with a layer of zinc, which acts as a barrier protecting against atmospheric and chemical factors. In this article, we will discuss what zinc coating is, its types, and its applications in various industries.
Zinc coating is the process of covering the surface of a metal with a thin layer of zinc. This is primarily done to protect metals from corrosion. Zinc acts as cathodic protection, meaning that if the zinc layer is scratched or damaged, the corrosion will tend to attack the zinc first rather than the underlying metal.
There are several methods of zinc coating, each with its unique properties and applications. Below are the most popular ones:
Hot-dip galvanizing, also known as immersion galvanizing, involves dipping the prepared element into a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of about 450°C. The resulting coating is thick and has high corrosion resistance. This method is often used to protect large steel structures, such as bridges, power poles, and pipelines.
Electroplating is an electrolytic process where the metal is immersed in a zinc salt solution, and zinc is deposited on its surface using an electric current. The coating obtained this way is thinner than in hot-dip galvanizing but more aesthetic and uniform. This method is commonly used in the automotive, electronics, and for protecting small metal parts.
Spray galvanizing involves applying molten zinc using special spray guns. This process allows for coating large surfaces quickly and reaching hard-to-access areas. Spray galvanizing is often used in the maintenance of metal structures and to protect components with complex shapes.
Mechanical plating is a process where small metal parts are coated with zinc in barrels in the presence of spherical abrasive media and zinc powder. This method is mainly used for small, mass-produced items like screws, nuts, and other fasteners.
Zinc coating is widely used in various industries due to its protective and aesthetic properties.
In construction, zinc coating is used to protect steel structures such as bridges, towers, warehouses, and other elements exposed to atmospheric conditions.
In the automotive industry, zinc coating is used to protect car bodies, chassis parts, and other components requiring high corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance.
In the electrical industry, electroplating is commonly used to protect conductive elements such as connectors, cables, and device housings.
Due to the aggressive environment in which marine structures operate, zinc coating is often used to protect ships, drilling platforms, and other installations exposed to seawater.
Zinc coating is an indispensable process in protecting metals from corrosion. With various methods of zinc coating, it is possible to adapt the process to the specific needs of different industries. Regardless of the chosen method, zinc coating provides durable and effective protection, extending the lifespan of metal structures and components.