The Benefits of Galvanizing: Why More Industries are Turning to Galvanizers
More industries are turning to galvanizers nationally and internationally since, over time, it has become evident that it is the most cost-effective way of protecting steel over long periods. Steel that has been treated with hot dip galvanization with an average thickness of 85 microns, the thickness of a sheet of photo-copier paper, can protect the metal for up to 100 years. Alternative methods of corrosion prevention are proving to have levels of protection for only a fraction of that time.
Globally recognised galvanizers, Armco Superlite explain the benefits of galvanization and why more industries are demanding the treatment before using steel in the manufacture of their products.
4 Reasons why Galvanizers recommend Galvanization
Hot dip galvanizing is the process by which raw, cleaned steel products are immersed into a bath of molten zinc to obtain a coating that is metallurgically bonded to it. The finished product protects against corrosion (or rust) over a long period. There are many benefits to processing the metal in this way and, in the initial stages of planning and preparation for a project, these are often misunderstood or overlooked.
- Initial Economic Benefits: When preparing a costing analysis before the commencement of any project involving large quantities of steel, factor in galvanizing as part of the process. The material is prepared and galvanized offsite. Alternative methods may need rustproofing during or post-construction, onsite, leading to additional labour costs and delays in construction time.
- Durability and Lowest Long-Term Costs: Some alternatives may appear cheaper initially. However, galvanization lifespans are reliable and predictable and have been historically proven to last longer. Even if dented or scratched, the coating protects the metal, reducing the chances of erosion.
- Less Maintenance: Rust and rustproofing is a laborious and time-consuming task post-construction. Consequential losses due to business closure during this process may be exorbitant. This process may have to be repeated every few years with alternative products. Inflation-related labour and material costs also need to be factored in. Galvanized steel does not need these intermittent treatments. Once coated, it may last between 50 to 100 years with very little maintenance in between.
- Toughest Coating for Complete Protection: A galvanized coating is bonded to the metal. It offers outstanding resistance to mechanical damage in transport, construction and service. The bonding covers every part of the treated material, even recesses, bolt and screw threads, sharp corners and inaccessible areas. Once the construction is completed, there is no further protection required.
Where to Find Specialist Galvanizers
At Armco Superlite, we have been supplying superior-quality galvanized products for more than thirty years.
Our Isando galvanizing plant has been operating since 1989. We can accommodate heavy structural steel up to 13m long with an output of around 2000 tons per month. An improved laydown area and increased loading capacity at this facility, allow us to deliver service excellence to all our customers, both nationally and internationally.
Our equally impressive Randfontein plant has an average output of 800 tons per month and can accommodate light to medium structural steel of up to 6m. Our outstanding quality in production is only complemented by our quick turnaround time, so that we may deliver the best product at competitive prices.
We at Armco Superlite are leading certified galvanizers within the industry. Based in Gauteng, South Africa, we are internationally renowned with a footprint that penetrates deep into Sub-Saharan Africa. We are proudly listed in accordance with the BSI ISO 9001:2015 quality scheme ensuring only the best products are produced in our plants. Additionally, Armco holds the SATAS mark of Hot Dipped Galvanizing and all our galvanized products adhere to the SANS 121 / ISO 1461 specifications.
In this article, we have only discussed four of the plethora of reasons why many industries are turning to galvanizers for superior coatings of their metallic materials. If the short, mid and long-term economic benefits of galvanization are beginning to make sense, arm yourself with Armco.
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