kuumasinkitsemällä

Kuumasinkitsemällä is a Finnish term referring to the process of hot-dip galvanizing. This is a method of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting. The process involves immersing the fabricated metal item into a bath of molten zinc at a high temperature, typically around 450 degrees Celsius. Before immersion, the steel is cleaned through a series of steps including degreasing and acid pickling to remove any scale, rust, or other contaminants.

Once the steel is submerged in the molten zinc, a metallurgical reaction occurs, forming a bond between the zinc and the base metal. This creates a thick, durable, and uniform coating that offers excellent corrosion resistance. The zinc coating protects the steel in two ways: it acts as a physical barrier, preventing corrosive substances from reaching the steel, and it provides galvanic protection, meaning the zinc corrodes sacrificially in place of the steel if the coating is damaged.

Kuumasinkitsemällä is widely used for structural steel, rebar, pipes, fasteners, and various other metal components that are exposed to corrosive environments, such as outdoor structures, bridges, and industrial equipment. The resulting coating is typically gray and can have a matte or slightly glossy appearance depending on the steel composition and cooling rate. This method is known for its cost-effectiveness and the long lifespan it provides to the coated metal.