Zinccoated

Zinccoated refers to metal parts, typically steel, that have been coated with zinc to improve corrosion resistance. The process is commonly called galvanization. Zinc coatings provide sacrificial protection: if the coating is breached and the steel is exposed, zinc corrodes first, helping to preserve the underlying metal.

The most common methods are hot-dip galvanizing, in which the parts are submerged in molten zinc to form a metallurgical bond; electrogalvanizing, where zinc is applied by electroplating; and sherardizing (zinc diffusion coating), where parts are tumbled with zinc powder at elevated temperature to produce a diffusion coating. Each method yields different coating thickness, coverage, and surface finish.

Zincoated products offer protection by two mechanisms: a physical barrier of zinc and sacrificial protection of exposed areas. The coating thickness is typically expressed in micrometers or as coating weight in g/m^2, and varies with environment, substrate, and method.

Applications include structural steel members, fasteners such as bolts and nails, fencing and hardware, water and sewer pipes, automotive and agricultural parts, and exterior architectural elements. Zinccoated items are favored for outdoor and corrosive environments due to relatively low cost, long service life, and broad availability.

Limitations include potential coating damage from mechanical impact or heavy abrasion, and reduced effectiveness in highly acidic or highly chloride-rich environments. In such cases, damaged areas may be repaired by galvanizing or applying zinc-rich paints or coatings with subsequent heat curing.

Zinccoated coatings are widely recyclable with steel, and zinc recovery is an established part of end-of-life metal processing.