Hot Dipped Galvanising vs Zinc Plating

As moisture settles on the surface of steel, it can trigger a chemical reaction known as oxidation that eats through the raw material. To protect against oxidation, products are often coated with either a zinc plating or galvanization process

Zinc-plating is a surface treatment consisting of a layer of zinc. It is a thin but solid layer of zinc over the surface, shielding the base steel raw material. Zinc offers a superior level of protection against oxidation when compared to raw and untreated steel. Zinc itself will still corrode, but at a much slower rate than untreated steel, making zinc-plated steel resistant to rust and corrosion.

One of the most common methods of zinc coating involves immersing the steel product in a bath of electrolyte solution containing zinc particles that cling to the surface of the steel product. An electrical current is applied which attract the zinc particles to the surface of the steel product.

Galvanized steel refers to steel that has undergone a galvanising metal treatment process. Like zinc plating, galvanization involves the use of a zinc coating to shield the raw steel from moisture so that it doesn’t rust or corrode.

Galvanized steel is typically created using the hot-dip method, involving heated, molten zinc. The steel product is submerged in molten zinc, then allowed to cool. Cooling will result in the zinc particles hardening while subsequently forming a solid barrier around the steel product.

Zinc-plated steel and galvanized steel are both resistant to oxidation. They prevent exposed steel coming into direct contact with moisture by the application of a layer of zinc. Zinc-plating involves an electrical current process, whereas galvanizing involves a hot-dip process.