Hot dip galvanizing – what is it?

Premier Galvanizing carry out hot dip galvanizing throughout Yorkshire and the Midlands regions predominantly but have also over the years had the pleasure of working across the UK too. Our successful track record and dedication to high standards has led to us carrying out work on various prestigious installations across the country. You do not have to travel far before you come across a Premier Galvanizing project!

So… what is hot dip galvanizing?

Hot dip galvanizing is the process whereby fabricated or structural steel, castings, or small parts, including fasteners, are immersed in a kettle or vat of molten zinc. The process of hot dip galvanizing results in a metallurgical bond between zinc and steel with a series of distinct iron-zinc alloys. Hot dip galvanizing helps prevent corrosion of the metal and therefore helps prolong the life of the steel.

Galvanized steel is widely used in applications where rust resistance is needed, and can be identified by the crystallisation patterning on the surface of the metal as displayed in the picture above.

Hot dip galvanizing is often referred to as just “galvanizing.” The term is often used incorrectly to describe steel coated with zinc-rich paint, electro-statically (plated) applied zinc, and mechanically applied zinc. Applying zinc to steel for corrosion protection is very different to hot dip galvanizing and may be inappropriate for many situations and environmental exposures.

As previously mentioned, hot dip galvanizing involves dipping steel in molten zinc, and as a result all parts of the surface of the steel are coated. The molten zinc reaches inside and outside of the material and also reaches any awkward corners and narrow gaps which would otherwise be impossible to protect any other way.

If you would like to know more about the Premier hot dip galvanizing service then please get in touch, we would be more than happy to discuss any queries with you and help any way we can.