The Galvanizing Process
Reliable Galvanizing
operates a large 42 ft. hot dip galvanizing kettle able to undertake
all types of work. We offer a simple process of corrosion protection
consisting of dipping steel into 
a
bath of molten zinc producing a progressive zinc/iron alloy layer on
the surface.
The layers can actually be harder than a mild steel, which gives the total coating a very tough and durable finish.
The molten zinc coating is formed metallurgically and all parts both inside and out are protected, assuring long life, cost efficiency and toughness.
Galvanizing can be carried out more quickly and economically than painting. The standard 2 oz./sq. ft. coating can have a typical maintenance free life of more than 30 years in rural areas and 15-25 years in urban/coastal areas.
The Actual Galvanizing Process:
- Oil, grease, and soluble
paints are removed with a hot alkaline cleaner. This will not, however,
remove epoxies, vinyls, asphalt, or welding slag. These must be removed
by grit blasting or sandblasting.
- Surface rust and mill scale
is removed by pickling the steel in an acid bath.
- Prefluxing: A steel article
is immersed in a liquid flux predip to remove oxides and to prevent
oxidation prior to dipping into molten zinc.
- Galvanizing: The article
is immersed into molten zinc at approximately 850° F (455°C).
This results in a formation of a zinc and zinc/iron alloy coating.
- Finishing: The galvanized
item is cooled in air or quenched in water. The material is then hand-finished
to remove any excess burrs.
- Thickness and surface condition inspections are the final steps.
Reliable Galvanizing
819 West 88th Street
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 651-2500
Fax (773) 488-7100