Galvanizing

In our Fall Newsletter, we introduced our customers to PCB’s updated web-site, www.pacificcoastbolt.com – a one-stop resource center for engineers, planners and procurement individuals who require technical as well as com-mercial data. In this issue, we address a few of its attributes.

In addition, with winter upon many parts of our country, corrosion becomes a consideration for many construction projects. One of the most accepted methods of fighting weather’s elements is “galvanizing” the carbon steel to increase the life of the fastener. We address the methods available.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Tony Daniels, GM

Galvanizing

Simply put, galvanizing is the process of plating the fastener, usually iron or steel, with a thin layer of zinc. This layer provides the protection for the base material against corrosion. There are three methods of applying zinc to fasten-ers.

One method is electroplating. This method applies a very thin plating of zinc, typically .0005″ maximum thickness, by way of electricity. This method is gen-erally used for smaller fasteners and is the most economical method. Howev-er, it lacks in protection to the other methods.

The hot dipped method applies a thicker layer of zinc, approximate-ly .002″. This method is intended for larger fasteners and provides a higher degree of protection over the electroplate method.

The mechanical method applies a smooth, uniform coating of zinc which the thickness may vary depending upon the class. This is the most costly method but can be used for a wide range of fasteners.

At PCB, we pride ourselves for a long history of supplying corrosion resistant fasteners to the petro-chemical, power and water works industries.