Topic summary
Electrogalvanization
Electrogalvanizing is a process in which a layer of zinc is bonded to steel to protect against corrosion, enhance adhesion, or give an aesthetic appeal. The process involves electroplating, running a current of electricity through a saline-/zinc-based electrolytic solution with a zinc anode and steel cathode. Such zinc electroplating or zinc alloy electroplating maintains a dominant position among other electroplating process options, based upon electroplated tonnage per annum. According to the International Zinc Association, more than 5 million tons are used yearly for both hot-dip galvanization and electroplating. The plating of zinc was developed at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, the electrolytic solution was cyanide-based. A significant innovation occurred in the 1960s with the introduction of the first acid chloride-based electrolyte. The 1980s saw a return to alkaline electrolytes, only this time, without the use of cyanide. The most commonly used electrogalvanized cold-rolled steel is SECC, acronym of "steel, electrogalvanized, cold-rolled, commercial-quality." Compared to hot-dip galvanization, electrogalvanization offers these significant advantages:
- Lower thickness deposits to achieve comparable performance
- Broader conversion coating availability for increased performance and colour options
- Brighter, more aesthetically appealing deposits