Have you ever wondered how the metal structures that support solar panels withstand so many years of harsh weather, intense sunlight, and humidity? The answer lies in an essential process, but little known to those outside the industry: hot-dip galvanizing.
According to Raphael Soeiro, Key Account Manager at Metal Light, the galvanizing process aims to increase the lifespan of steel parts through zinc coating. This coating is applied at a temperature above 450°C, where the base metal fuses with the zinc.
According to Soeiro, the entire process consists of the following steps:
- Degreasing, which removes all organic materials, such as grease and oil. Typically, the part is immersed in a solution containing detergents and other additives, making the medium alkaline.
- 1st wash to remove residue from the previous stage and not contaminate subsequent baths;
- Pickling to remove all iron oxide (rust), using hydrochloric acid;
- 2st wash to remove residue from the previous stage and not contaminate subsequent baths;
- Fluxing, where zinc chloride and ammonium chloride salts are used, due to the relatively acidic pH, with the function of dissolving residues adhered to the part;
- Drying carried out between 110ºC and 140ºC to reduce thermal shock and zinc splashes in the area around the zinc tank;
- Bath in molten zinc, where the piece is immersed in the zinc tank at 450ºC, causing the zinc to penetrate the crystalline network of the steel through the diffusion process;
- Passivation, a stage where a tank with passivation liquid is used, improving the finish and visual aspects of the part.
Photo: Metal Light/Disclosure
"Each of these steps is carefully controlled to ensure an efficient and high-quality result. The hot-dip galvanizing process is essential for various industrial applications, guaranteeing strength, durability, and reliability to metal parts," he concluded.
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