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Galvanized Steel vs. Zinc-Plated: Which type of steel is the best choice?

Galvanized Steel vs. Zinc-Plated:  Which type of steel is the best choice?

BlogDate: 18-07-2024 by: Ngoc Cam

Understanding the differences between galvanized steel vs zinc plated according to the criteria of strength, application, production method,... helps customers choose the most suitable material for their projects.

Understanding that importance, MRS Steel will provide useful information about galvanized steel vs zinc plated to help you easily distinguish both types of steel.

Galvanized steel provides more robust protection against corrosion compared to zinc-plated steel
Galvanized steel provides more robust protection against corrosion compared to zinc-plated steel

Galvanized steel vs. zinc-plated: Differences in the method of processing

Galvanizing is a very common surface protection method that is low cost, easy to perform and increases environmental resistance, thereby increasing the lifespan of the coated material.

For galvanized steel, they are coating using the hot-dip galvanizing method, the material is fully plated both inside and outside. Hot-dip galvanized steel is surface-treated with acid and then immersed monolithically in a bath of molten zinc. When all the material is coated with zinc on the surface (both inside and outside), it is removed. The thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer can be from 50 micrometers, depending on regulatory standards and customer requirements.

If comparing galvanized steel vs zinc plated in terms of coating thickness, the thickness of the zinc layer applied through electroplating (zinc plating) onto steel typically ranges from 5 to 25 micrometers (µm), depending on the specific requirements and application.

Galvanizing fully protects materials; zinc plating preserves exterior only
Galvanizing fully protects materials; zinc plating preserves exterior only

What is Galvanized steel?

Hot-dip galvanizing is the most common method of galvanizing steel. In this process, iron or steel is dipped into a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of approximately 840°F (449°C). After being removed from the bath, the zinc coating on the surface of the iron or steel reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to form zinc oxide (ZnO). ZnO continues to react with carbon dioxide to form a protective layer called zinc carbonate (ZnCO3). This relatively stable, dull gray film adheres tightly to the surface of iron or steel, making it difficult to peel off, effectively protecting the metal surface from oxidation and corrosion, thereby making the metal more durable and longer-lasting.

Galvanized steel, created by immersing iron or steel in molten zinc, enhancing durability and corrosion resistance
Galvanized steel, created by immersing iron or steel in molten zinc, enhancing durability and corrosion resistance

What is zinc plated?

Zinc plating simply involves applying a zinc-rich coating to the surface to protect it from corrosion. The types of zinc-rich paints used in the zinc plating process are different from conventional paints due to the presence of a bonding compound. These bonding agents allow zinc to mechanically bond to steel, providing effective protection.

Galvanized steel vs zinc plated: The main differences

Strength

In general, both galvanizing methods provide products with high durability and excellent resistance to environmental impacts. However, in terms of strength, galvanized steel has a thicker coating, which offers greater durability compared to zinc plating. Additionally, galvanized steel also boasts higher hardness and longer lifespan than other types of steel.

Resistance

Galvanized steel has better corrosion and rust resistance than zinc plated steel because the electrolytic plating thickness is only about 15-25 micrometers while zinc-coated steel is 50 micrometers or more.

Cost

Galvanized steel vs zinc plated in terms of cost, which type of steel is cheaper? Electrolytic zinc only requires a protective layer on the surface, so it has a lower cost than hot-dip galvanizing.

Applications

Zinc plating is often chosen in industries that require high aesthetics but not strict durability. Thanks to the thin, smooth and shiny plating surface, it can be used for furniture and decoration, with less exposure to environmental factors. Meanwhile, galvanized steel is plated evenly on all internal and external surfaces, so it has good resistance to harsh environmental factors. They are ideal materials in the energy, manufacturing, construction industries,...

Zinc coated galvanized steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to untreated steel
Zinc coated galvanized steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to untreated steel

MRS Steel provides the best Vietnamese galvanized steel import solution.

MRS Steel is one of the strategic partners of the largest galvanized steel factories in Vietnam such as Hoa Sen, Ton Dong A, Sendo, SMC,... During the 12-year journey of exporting quality Vietnamese galvanized steel to many regions and countries around the world such as the United States, Europe, Belgium, Malaysia,... 100% of customers are satisfied with the service at MRS Steel.

If you are looking for a good source of galvanized steel or are importing Vietnamese steel for the first time, you should contact MRS Steel for better support. We have a team of experts who understand the market, a wide factory connection network and high professional qualifications to help importers save a lot of time and effort in purchasing.

Hopefully MRS Steel's article on galvanized steel vs zinc plated has helped you no longer be confused about these two common galvanizing methods. If you want to learn about the Vietnamese galvanized steel market and products, customers can contact for free, dedicated advice via Whatsapp: +84 769 112 358 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn.

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