What is Galvanizing?
Galvanizing is where a metal (usually iron or steel) is coated with a layer of zinc to help protect it from the environment in which it is used or stored. The reaction for galvanization will only occur on clean surfaces and therefore in order to achieve a high-quality finish, the surface on the metal must be properly prepared.
Any force of dirt, grim, grease or oil are considered to be contamination and will lead to flakiness or the finish peeling off easier than it should. A number of processes can be used to pre-treat the material such as shot blasting where the surface is cleaned or stripped using abrasives.
The protection offered by galvanization is heavily dependent upon the environment in which it is situated. Although the process is generally regarded as giving a product a life of a number of decades, if the environmental impacts are kept to a minimum, it can last without rust in excess of 100 years.
However, if the item is situated on a cliff face in a coastal region with frequent and high levels of rainfall, this life will be significantly reduced. Supplementary treatments such as painting will help to extend the products life.
Our Galvanizing Services
At B.B. Price, we provide high-quality galvanizing services tailored to meet the needs of various industries. Our in-house facilities include both shot blasting and hot-dip galvanizing, allowing us to process a wide range of products efficiently and effectively:
Our Process
- Surface Preparation: Metal is cleaned using shot blasting or chemical treatments to remove dirt, grease, rust, and mill scale.
- Fluxing: A zinc-ammonium chloride solution is applied to prevent oxidation before dipping.
- Cooling & Inspection: The coated metal is cooled in water or air and inspected for quality assurance.
What is hot-dip Galvanizing?
Hot dip galvanizing is the process whereby metal is immersed into a bath of molten zinc at a temperate of 450 °C (842 °F) to give the material a thick, robust outer layer of zinc alloys. On occasion, where an additional coat is required e.g. it is painted at a later stage, the zinc coating will be thinner to ease the application of the additional coating. Once the material is removed from the bath (5 minutes is usually sufficient to provide the required coating), it is then quenched in water or air cooled to allow handling.
For the galvanization of threads, please see our threading page.
Products we can Galvanize
- Structural steel sections (up to 4 meters).
- Small components and fittings.
- Rings, bolts, and threaded screws (including brush galvanizing for precision components).
- Custom-fabricated iron and steel products.
- Industrial machinery components.
- Pipes and tubing for various applications.
- And much more.
Why Our Galvinizing Process is Superior
Our unique shot blasting process ensures a higher-quality zinc coating, improving durability and lifespan compared to standard galvanizing methods.
By thoroughly cleaning the surface beforehand, we achieve optimal adhesion and coverage, ensuring the zinc coating remains effective for decades.
Additionally, our hot-dip process provides a consistent and uniform layer of protection, reducing the risk of uneven coatings that can lead to premature wear and corrosion.
Our advanced techniques allow us to produce intricate and high-precision parts, ensuring all areas, including corners and hidden surfaces, are fully protected.
What are the Benefits of Galvanized Iron & Steel?
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
Zinc forms a protective barrier, preventing rust and degradation. Zine also has Self-healing properties – If scratched, zinc will continue to protect the underlying steel through sacrificial protection.
2. Long-Lasting Durability
Galvanized coatings last 50-100 years, even in extreme environments. They also withstand harsh weather, moisture, and industrial pollutants better than painted or electroplated coatings.
3. Cost-Effective Protection
Offers lower lifetime costs when compared to painting, as it requires minimal maintenance. The fast application process reduces downtime and labour costs.
4. Strong Adhesion & Impact Resistance
Metallurgically bonded zinc coatings resist peeling, chipping, and cracking better than alternative coatings.
5. Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable
Zinc is non-toxic and 100% recyclable. Unlike paint, it contains no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Why Choose B.B. Price?
1. Industry-Leading Expertise
With years of experience in the metal industry, B.B. Price provides top-tier galvanizing solutions for projects of all sizes, from small components to large-scale industrial applications.
2. High-Quality Finishes
Our advanced shot blasting techniques ensure superior adhesion, uniform coating, and long-lasting durability for all metal components.
3. Versatile & Custom Solutions
We offer hot-dip methods for sections up to 4 meters and brush methods for precision parts, catering to a wide range of applications.
4. Cost-Effective & Eco-Friendly
Our services provide a low-maintenance, long-term solution that is both affordable and environmentally responsible.
5. Fast Turnaround & Reliable Service
Our in-house facilities ensure quick processing times and quality assurance, delivering durable products on schedule.