Galvanizing is a process of coating steel and other metals with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. Galvanized steel cable is a steel cable with a zinc coating. The most common method of coating steel is a hot-dip process. Galvanized steel wire rope is used in various industries and is available in different sizes and breaking strengths. Some aviation applications require an additional nylon sheath, and if used for marine purposes, plastic can be integrated for increased resistance.
Galvanizing is a process of treating steel and other metals with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. The level of protection is determined by the thickness of the rustproofing zinc. Galvanized steel cable is a steel cable with a zinc coating.
The use of zinc to provide an impermeable coating for metal can be traced back to a French chemist named PJ Malouin, who formally presented the process in 1772. It wasn’t until 1837, however, that a French engineer was granted the first patent on a galvanizing process. Galvanizing quickly became very popular in Britain, where wet weather takes its toll on metal products, and the first galvanizing plant finally opened in the United States in 1870. This process became the preferred choice of waterproof treatment for metal products that are exposed to the elements.
The most common method of coating steel used to make galvanized steel cable is a hot-dip process, a popular procedure for over a century and a half. The steel cable is immersed in a vat of molten zinc. The iron in the steel chemically reacts with the zinc, forming a series of zinc/iron alloy layers that bond the steel and zinc together. The level of rust resistance is determined by the thickness of the zinc layer.
Galvanized steel wire rope is used in a wide variety of industries including utilities, pulp and paper, manufacturing, automotive, aviation, communications, and electrical appliances. It is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 100 lbs (45.36 kg) to over 14,000 lbs (6350.29 kg) minimum breaking strength and in a variety of diameters. Breaking strength refers to the amount of pressure or weight the cable can withstand before it breaks. For example, cable used in conveyor systems would require higher breaking strength than that used for household appliances or automotive controls. Some cables, such as those used in conjunction with padlocks, are often made from braided steel for added strength and flexibility.
Some aviation applications require the cable to have an additional nylon sheath. Galvanized aircraft wire designed for use in aircraft controls is usually made of stainless steel. This type differs from commercial-grade aircraft cable found in slings and winch lines. If a galvanized steel cable will be used for marine purposes, the manufacturer will often integrate plastic into the mix. An extra vinyl or nylon coating can be applied to increase corrosion and abrasion resistance.
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