HDG Hot Dip Galvanized Coating Uniformity

The galvanizing process naturally produces coating that are at least as thick at the corners and edges as the coating on the rest of the article. As coating damage is most likely to occur at the edges, this is where added protection is needed most. Brush- or spray-applied coatings have a natural tendency to thin at the corners and edges. The figure below is a photomicrograph showing a cross-section of a corner of a galvanized piece of steel.

Because the galvanizing process involves total immersion of the material, all surface are coated. Galvanizing provides protection on both exterior and interior surfaces of hollow structures. Hollow structures that are painted (but not galvanized) have no corrosion protection on the inside.

The inspection process for galvanized items is simple and fast and requires minimal labor. This is important because the inspection process required to assure the quality of many brush- and spray-applied coatings is highly labor-intensive and uses expensive skilled labor.

Galvanizing takes place in a factory regardless of weather or humidity conditions. Most brush- and spray-applied coatings depend upon proper weather and humidity conditions for correct application. This dependence on atmospheric conditions often translates into costly construction delays. The galvanizer’s ability to work in any type of weather allows a higher degree of assurance of on-time delivery. Working under these circumstances, galvanizing can be completed quickly and with short lead times. A turnaround time of two or three days for galvanizing is common.