What Is Galvanized Metal?

GNEE New Material Hot Dipped Galvanized Plate

What Does Galvanized Mean?

Galvanizing is the process of applying a protective coating to steel or iron. The coating is made from zinc and is used to halt the formation of rust. Galvanization is important because it provides long-lasting protection for steel and iron products.

Galvanized Mild Steel Plate

How Does Galvanization Protect the Base Metal Underneath?

1. The zinc coating prevents corrosive substances like acid (acid rain for example) from reaching the metal underneath.

2. Galvanization protects from rusting. When the coating is scratched, zinc will still "sacrifice its anode" easier than the base metal does – which protects it from rusting.
Learn more about how and why metals rust in our blog: Which Metals Rust?

3. The zinc protects the metal by corroding faster than the base metal. Sometimes a special ingredient called a "chromate" is added to the galvanized metal, this makes it corrode even faster. It may sound like that is not what you want to happen, but remember the zinc corroding before the metal is what protects the metal underneath from rusting.

Benefits of Galvanizing Metal

If you're looking to buy steel for your next project, consider opting for galvanized steel. Galvanized steel touts numerous measurable benefits, including the following:

1. Economical: Choosing galvanized steel initially may seem more expensive, but it's a great investment in the long run. Moreover, galvanizing is actually cheaper than many other protective steel coatings.
2. Low-maintenance: Steel that lacks a protective coating requires more maintenance to upkeep the appearance and structural safety of the product.
3. Long Lasting: Galvanized steel coatings can have a life expectancy of up to 50 years and can withstand urban and coastal exposure.
4. Unparalleled Protection: Every inch of galvanized steel is protected-this includes sharp edges and those hard-to-reach crevices.
5. Fast: The process of galvanizing is fast and easy. In fact, a full protective coat can be applied in just a few minutes.