Galvanic zinc plating (Zn): finishing your steel products
Among galvanic applications, zinc plating is an affordable and frequently used surface finishing process. In numerous industrial applications – such as in the automotive industry – this type of finishing plays a prominent role.
Metals are zinc coated to protect the steel parts and other materials from the impact of corrosion. If you plan to finish your product surfaces with galvanic zinc plating, the Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG is your perfect point of contact.
The medium sized, family-operated business has been combining traditional galvanizing skills with innovation since 1947 and has established itself as a professional provider.
Galvanic zinc plating: value conserving and functional
When finishing surfaces with galvanized zinc plating, electrical power is deployed to generate a zinc plating on steel components. The work pieces are immersed in a zinc electrolyte to produce the zinc plating.
Both, acidic and alkalic electrolytes are used. The work piece to be zinc coated is hung into the solution and serves as a cathode. An electrode of the purest possible zinc is used as the anode.
Unlike in other zinc plating processes, galvanic zinc plating does not generate any alloy between the zinc plating and the steel since the zinc plating is made of a pure zinc layer. Thanks to its cathodic protection effect, the zinc works as a slave metal vis-à-vis the more premium iron. Galvanically zinc coated products are particularly anti-corrosive thanks to the zinc layer.
Base materials:
As a rule steel and its alloys
Function improvements/properties:
- Anti-corrosive
- Carrier material for organic plating
- Low processing temperatures
- Low cost processes
Passivation processes
While the zinc plating protects the steel component from corrosion, the zinc layer as such is exposed to lots of stress, which may lead to zinc corrosion (white rust). A retroactive treatment can prevent or delay this process and extend the entire anti-corrosive effect considerably.
Various passivation processes have been developed for zinc coated surfaces, which are distinguished by color and the level of corrosion protection.
Retroactive treatment of zinc coated surfaces:
- Passivation (blue An / layer thickness Cn)
- Sealing (oils)
Our equipment capacity for galvanic zinc plating:
Rack bath L = 2700 mm D = 1200 mm W = 500 mm
Weight up to 2000 kg
Technical basis:
Based on the latest fundamentals and provisions.
Any questions about galvanic zinc plating?
We invite you to contact us.