Galvanized steel sheet is treated with a zinc alloy to create a rust-proof and moisture-resistant barrier, making it suitable for building materials and household appliances. The process involves heating pure iron, cooling it in water or a chemical solution, and immersing it in liquefied zinc. The outer coating may eventually rust or chip, requiring anti-corrosive paint. The product is relatively low cost and can last several decades before the treatment wears off.
Galvanized steel sheet is a piece of metal that has been treated with additional chemical processes to protect it from the natural elements. Specifically, the steel plate is bonded with a molecular level zinc alloy to create a watertight barrier that will last the lifetime of the metal in some cases. This process essentially makes the galvanized steel sheet rust-proof and very resistant to moisture. The product is therefore suitable for many internal and external building uses as it has an extended overall life.
The process for creating galvanized steel sheet begins with pure iron, which is heated to reduce the presence of carbon within the metal. This can only be accomplished at extremely high temperatures, and then afterwards, it is rapidly cooled in water or another chemical solution to harden it to the maximum possible density. After the cooling process, the steel sheets are then immersed in the liquefied zinc solution to allow for the chemical bonding process. A galvanizing level measurement is the final step before shipping the sheets to a retail store.
Smaller items like nails and wall studs are individually placed through the exact same process to ensure their outer coatings are galvanized enough to last. Although the zinc will be mixed throughout the steel, the far thicker coating will remain on the outside. The galvanized steel plate core will also likely stay close to pure steel, which is intentional to provide the greatest possible strength. Combining both the strength of steel and the resistive qualities of zinc, there are few other metallic options that can stand up to its overall performance levels.
Galvanized steel plate is used in a variety of household appliances due to its durability compared to other metals; one of the most common uses is within products such as water heaters. It can also be a good option for many different types of building materials because it is relatively low cost compared to other types of metal. Because galvanized steel sheet is expected to last several decades before the anti-corrosion treatment begins to wear off under normal circumstances, it’s also a popular choice in everything from sheds to roofs to vehicle components.
One of the disadvantages of using galvanized steel plates is that the outer zinc coating will eventually rust or chip, which allows the oxidation process to begin on the steel itself. To counteract this decaying process, the metal is often painted with an anti-corrosive paint every so often to prevent this from happening. Structures such as bridges and dams that often face water and high winds require this type of coating every year, while construction piers and girders may only require treatment every 10 to 10 years. For example, the Golden Gate Bridge in the US city of San Francisco, California, is painted with a red lead primer continuously throughout the year to prevent rusting.
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