Galvanized Sheet Metal: All You Need to Know About Galvanized Metal

A manufacturing process that involves the application of zinc coating to steel to prevent rusting is called galvanization. This zinc coating acts as a barrier to various corrosive elements and protects the base metal. This way you get access to high-quality and long-lasting steel products. Galvanized metals are one of the most inexpensive and popular types of metal in the market. With galvanized steel, you also get increased strength, extended durability, and formality into the metal which otherwise won’t be possible with other types of single metals. 

One of the greatest reasons why you should opt for galvanized steel is because of its versatility and significant top-notch corrosion-resistant properties. Besides that many steelmakers and manufacturers agree to the fact that galvanized sheet metal offers the top best protection against corrosion and thus is also the most common sheet metal type used in the manufacturing industry. Due to its low-cost maintenance and wide range of applications, it becomes a top choice in the market. Here in this article, we have mentioned everything that will help you understand more about these amazing galvanized metals.

What is Galvanized Steel Used For?

Now let us look at some prominent uses of these galvanized metals that you can consider using in many applications. 

1. Automotive industry 

The automotive industry is a large consumer of galvanized steel. With the help of galvanized metals, several makers enjoy the rust-resistant nature of this material and also don’t resist offering anti-rust warranties to their customers. It can act as a great marketing tool for the makers in this competitive market. 

2. Telecommunications industry 

For the telecommunications industry maintaining the phone lines is one of the most significant tasks. It requires the toughest and the most durable material for the smooth functioning of the process. Galvanized sheet metals can offer the best protection on phone wiring and equipment boxes. Moreover, it prevents the risk of many dangerous injuries and reduces maintenance costs. 

3. Electric equipment

Most castings for electrical appliances are done by using galvanized steel materials. Due to its high corrosion-resistant properties and unique features, it becomes a significant option for many electrical appliances. In addition, some interior parts of electrical appliances are made from galvanized metals for better protection. 

4. Construction Industry 

Galvanized sheet metal is extremely popular in the construction industry and it is used at the highest level for various commercial and residential construction projects. If you are looking for an aesthetic appearance then galvanized materials can be a great choice due to their shine and modern architectural designs. It can be an excellent material for larger as well as smaller structural or construction projects.

5. Wind and Solar industry

In the solar industry, hot-dipped galvanized steels are extremely popular due to their corrosion-resistant properties. As most equipment of solar panels is exposed to harsh climates throughout the year, they require the use of extra protecting materials in order to enjoy the long-lasting nature of the same. Galvanized steel can be the ultimate option as it can prevent the equipment from corrosion and various other weather elements. 

Is Galvanized Steel Good for Outdoor Uses? 

Yes, galvanized steel is perfectly suitable for outdoor applications due to its rust resistance properties and long-lasting nature. You can use galvanized steel for almost all types of outdoor purposes and needs.  

Is Galvanized Metal Bad For You?

With many benefits on the chart, galvanized metal also comes with some disadvantages or side effects. As a matter of fact, most food items that come in contact with galvanized steel are perfectly fine and safe, however, with acidic food, you can face some serious side effects. Acidic food when comes in contact with zinc coating creates some serious reaction to form salts that are readily absorbed by the body. This salt if consumed in excessive amounts can cause severe sickness and nauseousness in your body.  

Further, if you are working with galvanized metals it is extremely important to take necessary measures. Galvanize flumes can be poisonous and have symptoms similar to flu. The onsite symptoms that begin right after coming in contact with exposure to zinc oxide are mild headache and nausea.  In case of severe exposure, you might face serious consequences such as high fever, vomiting and cold sweats, and in some cases even death. Once you have come in contact, ensure to consult your doctor immediately or within 24 hours to avoid harmful effects. In order to prevent exposure to galvanized zinc flumes ensure to have proper ventilation and avoid getting in direct contact with the oxide flumes. You can also drink plenty of milk before, during, and after the welding of galvanized steel to lessen the risk of poisonous effects. 

Does Galvanized Steel Rust?

Yes, Galvanized steel rust but it takes a long time because the carbon steel that has been galvanized or coated with a thin layer of zinc. The zinc acts as a barrier preventing oxygen and water from reaching the steel, providing advanced corrosion protection.

How Long Does it Take For Galvanized Steel To Rust?

Many might wonder about the fact of whether galvanized steel might rust or not. Well before answering let us first understand what exactly is rusting. Rusting takes place when metal breaks down and oxygen attacks the surface of your material which later creates iron oxide that flakes away from the body of the metal. However, the zinc coating used in galvanized metals restricts the water and oxygen elements from passing through the surface of the metal and hence prevents it from getting rust. If by any chance the zinc coating is scratched off from the surface, it will still protect the nearby areas of the underlying steel.

Regardless of what there are certain factors that can affect the durability of galvanized steels such as if the relative humidity rises above 60%, excessive presence of sodium chloride or salt in water or air, cases where the coated area is kept wet for a long period of time, sulfur dioxide present in the atmosphere, acid rainwater running off from roof along with wood shingles, and lastly moss and lichen that can hold moisture and create a high level of humidity micro-climate. 

What Liquid Makes Metal Rust The Fastest?

Here we have mentioned some different types of liquids and chemicals that cause instant rusting 

1. Water and salt

Water and salt accelerate the rusting process by allowing the ions to move freely and lowering the electrical resistance. Water when coming in contact with metal pulls oxygen from the air and forms hydroxide ions to disintegrate the coating and gives space for rust to take place.

2. Bleach 

Bleach consists of a chemical compound called sodium hypochlorite that acts as an oxidizing agent to remove electrons from the surface of the metals. This solution accelerates rusting by roving ion electrons from metals more rapidly as compared to water. The presence of bleach in water can create instant rusting and cause serious harm to your metal. 

3. Vinegar 

Vinegar contains a diluted form of acetic acid that assists in removing ions from most metals such as iron and making it more susceptible to rusting. Vinegar when combined with bleach can release harmful toxic chlorine gas that can create other health issues as well. 

Benefits of Galvanized Sheet Metals 

1. Durable 

With an average zinc coating of 85 microns, galvanized metals offer one of the best durable corrosion protection in the industry. This zinc coating thickness meets with the required corrosion performance in various applications. 

2. Cost-effective 

Galvanization offers an extremely high-performance coating that does not require the frequent need to paint your metal. Therefore you need not worry about the expensive maintenance cost of these metal materials and galvanization coating can remain constant for a long period of time. 

3. Reliable costing 

Galvanization coating is considered one of the best protection layers in the world. As mentioned above, you need to worry about spending huge amounts of money on frequent maintenance costs as the bond formed through galvanization becomes part of the steel itself.

4. Complete coverage

The bond provides full protection and coverage to the metals that later increase the strength of these metals and ensures that the structure of the galvanized sheet is always protected from harmful elements.  

If you are looking for the highest-quality metals or wish to learn more about them you can visit our website or contact us today.