UNIVERSITY OF JOS

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MEE 515: INDUSTRIAL FINISHING

ASSIGNMENT (3)
Production of Galvanized Sheets and Strip

SUBMITTED BY
SUNDAY ADAMS TEGWI
UJ/2016/EN/0203

29TH NOVEMBER 2022

Galvanizing refers to coating a layer of zinc on the surface of a steel plate (which is easy to

rust in natural air) in order to prevent corrosion on the surface of the steel plate and prolong

its service life. While zinc is not easily changed in dry air and in wet environment, a dense

zinc carbonate protective film will be formed on the surface, which can effectively protect the

steel. About half of the world’s zinc production is used in galvanizing.

The principal method of making steel resist corrosion is by alloying it with zinc. When steel

is submerged in melted zinc, the chemical reaction permanently bonds the zinc to the steel

through galvanizing. Therefore, the zinc isn’t only a coat, like paint; it permanently becomes

a part of it! The zinc coating lengthens the life of the end product, making it desirable for

manufacturers and consumers (due to its appealing surface finish and without any defects

harmful to the use of the product).

FEATURES

i. Strong corrosion resistance

ii. Surface quality

iii. Conducive to deep processing such as corrugated steel sheet

iv. Economical and high value

v. Practical, and so many others.

GALVANIZING PROCESSES

1. Mechanical galvanizing

2. Hot galvanizing; and

3. Cold galvanizing

2
 Mechanical Galvanizing

This is a more traditional zinc plating process, which makes zinc powder adhere to the plated

parts through mechanical collision and chemical absorption to form a coating.

Hot Galvanizing

The plate surface is cured with ammonium chloride or zinc chloride plating aid, to remove

the oxide layer and impurities and to provide conditions for the firm attachment of the plating

layer. It is then immersed into the hot-dip tank of zinc solution, where the zinc solution

uniformly and tightly adheres to the plated part to form a plating layer.

Figure 1. Hot Galvanizing

Cold Galvanizing

After removing the oil dirt and dust on the surface, the plated parts surfaces are pickled and

cleaned by dipping them into a zinc-salt solution, in order to remove impurities. At the same

time, the zinc plate is placed on the opposite side of the plated parts and then the plated parts

are connected to the negative electrode of the electrolytic equipment. The zinc plate is

connected to the positive electrode. Through the electrolytic reaction, the zinc layer is

attached to the plate parts.

CLASSIFICATION

According to production and processing methods, galvanized steel sheets can be divided into

3
 1. Hot-dip galvanized

2. Alloyed galvanized

3. Electro-galvanized

4. Single-sided and double-sided difference galvanized

5. Alloy and composite galvanized

In addition to the above five kinds, there are colour galvanized, printed galvanized, PVC-

laminated galvanized, etc.

Hot-dip galvanized

This is the most common method of zinc coating. The steel sheet is immersed in the molten

zinc bath (approximately 680ºF), and a layer of zinc is adhered to its surface. When the

material is removed from the zinc bath and cooled, a reaction to the oxygen in the air occurs.

The reaction forms an iron-zinc alloy bond with a glittery new surface finish appearance.

At present, the continuous galvanizing process is mainly used for production. The zinc

coating is applied to the surface of a continuous ribbon of steel (coil) as it passes through a

zinc bath. As the coil leaves the zinc bath, it carries with it an extra layer of molten zinc. The

material is then allowed to cool and the glittery finish is formed. Continuous galvanizing

allows for more precise control of the thickness.

Figure 2. Hot-dip and Electro Galvanized

4
 Alloyed galvanized

It is also made by hot-dip method, but is heated to about 500ºC immediately after being

grooved to form an alloy film of zinc-iron bond. This particular sheet has good paint adhesion

and weldability of coating.

Electro-galvanized

This is produced by electroplating; and it has good workability. Yet, the coating is thinner,

and the corrosion resistance is not as good as the hot-dip galvanized sheet.

Single-sided and double-sided difference galvanized

Products galvanized only on one side are called single-sided galvanized; while those coated

with a thin layer of zinc on the other side are called double-sided galvanized. Single-sided

galvanized steel plates have better adaptability than double-side ones in welding, coating, rust

prevention treatment and processing.

Alloy and composite galvanized

It is made of zinc and other metals, such as aluminium, lead and zinc, and even composite

plating. This kind of steel plate not only as excellent anti-rust performance, but also has good

coating performance.

APPLICATIONS

Galvanized sheets are produced for applications in areas which corrosion resistance is

important. For countless outdoor, marine, or industrial applications, galvanized steel is an

essential fabrication component. It is used for a very wide variety of applications.

i. In agricultural machinery, grain storage, high-speed guardrail and other industries. Its

prominent feature is low cost and high added value.

5
ii. In building materials, household appliances, automobiles and other industries. Due to

the high demand of galvanized steel, these industries are more or less involved in the

support of steel structures and the emergence of galvanized sheet smartly solves this

problem.

iii. It plays an important role in modern buildings, factories, spatial structures,

transportation energy, and so many others. Its application in these fields mainly plays

the role of protective film, which weakens the corrosive effect of the outside world on

objects.

iv. Others include; roofing and walling, curved profiles, corrugated sheets, rainwater

gutter, metal doors and windows, garage doors, partitions, ceiling panels, suspended

frames, cabinet, office furniture etc.