Galvanization is a process in which metal is coated with an additional thin protective layer, usually comprised of zinc, to prevent corrosion. When considered galvanization for any construction needs, you will need to review all of your options in order to choose the best one. Continue reading to learn the most common methods used to galvanize metal, as well as, where to get paid cash-in-hand for recycling your leftover scrap metal materials and commodities in Central Indiana.

The Benefit and Purpose of Galvanized Metal

After metal is galvanized, the added layer of protection serves as a first defense against all external environmental factors, such as moisture, rain, snow, dirt, wind, wildlife, and any other element or organism that can negatively impact the appeal and structural integrity of the base metal. Galvanization also protects metal through a process known as “galvanic corrosion”, which takes place when two metals with separate electro-chemical make-up come into contact with one another while an electrolyte is present, such as the case of salt water. Furthermore, galvanizing metal is more cost-effective compared to using austenitic stainless steel or aluminum for corrosion prevention applications.

Methods of Galvanizing

There are many different methods used to galvanizing metal. The most common approaches include pre-galvanizing, hot-dip galvanizing, and electro-galvanizing. Pre-galvanizing and electro-galvanizing are generally applied continuously to a roll of sheet metal, while hot-dipped galvanizing is mostly applied to metals with complex shapes and formations.

Here is a brief description of each process and how they give metal anti-corrosion properties:

▶ Pre-Galvanizing – Pre-galvanizing is process that involves cleaning the base metal (either mechanically, chemically, or both) to ensure that a quality bond can be made between metal and coating, then passing it through a pool of liquid zinc, and then recoiling it. This method is typically carried out in a steel mill, and only applied to metals that are already shaped.

▶ Hot-Dip Galvanizing – Hot-dip galvanizing is very similar to pre-galvanizing in that both process involve cleaning the base metal and then dipping it into hot, liquid zinc. However, before dipping, the base metal is further cleared of any leftover oxides.

▶ Electro-Galvanizing – Electro-galvanizing is a process that involves using electrical currents in an electrolyte solution to transfer zinc ions onto metal. To achieve this, positively-charged zinc ions are electrically reduced to zinc metal, which is in turn, deposited onto the positively-charged base metal. Grain refiners are also sometimes incorporated to ensure smoother coating.

How to Sell Metal Junk and Scrap Metal in Central Indiana

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to sell scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all metal and metal commodities, including vehicles, car parts, appliances, construction equipment, farming equipment, and much more! Collect all the scrap metal you can, and then sell it to us for the highest profit in town! Request a free estimate or information, today.