Uses of Galvanized Steel

Read the following article to gain more information about galvanized steel and its various uses.

Galvanisation is the process of coating steel with a layer of zinc through a chemical reaction. This prevents the steel from rusting. The process is named after its inventor, an Italian named Luigi Galvani.

Preparation Process

Galvanised steel is mainly produced by a process known as 'hot-dip galvanising'. In this process, the steel is passed through a bath of molten zinc, which is usually kept at a temperature of 860 degrees Fahrenheit. The steel is then coated with zinc and exposed to the atmosphere. The zinc then reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to form zinc oxide. It also reacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to form zinc carbonate, which forms a dull grey layer on the steel. The carbonate layer prevents the steel from corroding or rusting. The zinc layer has now become part of the steel and is therefore known as the 'sacrificial anode' layer.

Forms and uses

Galvanised steel comes in a variety of forms, such as galvanised pipe and galvanised wire.

Galvanised steel frames are used to build houses.

Automotive parts are made from this type of steel (for example, the body parts of trucks and buses).

Galvanised metal has found its way into various household appliances such as washing machines, air conditioner housings, hair dryers, computer parts, etc.

It is used in high voltage electrical pylons, protective equipment and motorway signs.

This alloy is extensively used in the manufacture of wrought iron gates and other related items such as door and window grills.

Various types of metal buckets and pails are made from this type of steel.

When the method of galvanising steel was invented, it was used to make ornaments that could be hung on walls and roofs, and also to make door and window coverings to protect them from destructive elements like wind and rain.

This type of steel is also used extensively in the manufacture of steel nails by the hot dipping process.

Nowadays, the covers of gutters and manholes on roads are also made by using galvanised steel. The anti-corrosion mechanism is well suited to such items, which have a high chance of coming into contact with water due to their proximity to underground sewers and drainage pipes.

Many commercial buildings have an outer layer of galvanised steel, usually on the walls and columns, to protect the entire structure from rust and corrosion. The typical appearance of this alloy also gives the buildings the ability to blend in with the surrounding buildings.

Low cost, permanent protection, fast assembly, etc. are some of the main advantages of galvanised steel. As a result, this alloy is widely used in numerous applications and has become an integral part of our daily lives.