Authored by Peter Chifo, Jr. (A segment of this blog was originally published in The Fabricator) Methods for Galvanizing Tubulars and Shapes At present there are four production methods being employed to produce galvanized tubular products. Three of these are well known and only a brief description of each is provided. The fourth continuous process not being as widely known is presented in more detail. Pre-Galvanized Strip with Metallized Weld Seam This method utilizes pre-galvanized strip in lieu of un-coated steel strip. As the zinc coating is melted away at the weld seam during the welding process, a metallized spray is directed over the seam to provide corrosion protection. The inability to provide corrosion protection to the weld seam equal to that of the pre-galvanized strip makes this product susceptible to premature failure and is thereby practical for limited environments and usage. While this process requires minimal capital investment this is typically offset by the high cost of raw material which can be quite unstable due to wide fluctuations in balance of market supply and demand. Electro-Deposition or Electroplating
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