Galvanized Metal
Galvanized metal is a term used for describing any metal that has a metallurgically bonded layer of different metal on its surface. The most common example for galvanized metal is steel (Fe), as the base material, with pure zinc (Zn) or zinc alloys with aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) as the bonded layer. However, galvanized metal does not necessarily mean steel and zinc, as other combinations of galvanized metal can be achieved.
Since specialized use-cases are rare, the term galvanized metal is being used synonymously with galvanized steel, referring to steel and zinc.
Galvanized metal products are commonly sold for many structural and outdoor uses, such as fences, sign posts, scaffolding and many more.
Galvanized metal implies a higher resistance against corrosion and longer lifetime of products such.
Steel has preferred structural properties, is abundant and thus economically scalable. However, due to its high corrosion rate, structural integrity of steel becomes an issue after a short amount of time, which is why different solutions are being practiced to protect the steel from rusting. Oil application (oiled metal) is most commonly used for raw material, as the oil layer does not provide a long and physical resistance. Secondary steel products, such as tubes, panels, roofing, hollow-sections, etc., that are intended for the end-user, need a reliable and long-lasting corrosion protection. Painting (painted metal) has been the cheapest way providing such to the end user. However, painted metal products are not workable (etc. bending) and the paint coating usually fails after a short period of time. Galvanizing has proven to be the best solution to providing long-lasting and high-quality steel products to customers in various industries around the world.
In order to produce galvanized metal, the base material needs to be metallurgically bonded with another type of metal. In steel galvanizing, this process can be achieved through different forms of galvanizing which each have their advantages and disadvantages.