50% Of Zinc Is Used To Protect Steel And Iron
Here at EC Williams Ltd, we are proud to be one of the country’s leading electroplaters. Specialising in zinc plating services – including blue zinc coating. We have supported many industries over the years with our electroplating services. But what makes the process for metal coating so popular?
Zinc is a naturally occurring element that is found in the Earth’s crust. It is now the fourth most widely consumed metal in the world with fifty percent of the world’s zinc being used for galvanisation. Galvanisation is the process of applying zinc as a protective coating to iron or steel in order to prevent the surface from rusting. However, another common method for protecting the surface of a material which also uses zinc, is electroplating. Zinc electroplating is also a process which applies zinc to metal parts. However, the zinc is applied using a current of electricity. It provides a thinner coating than galvanisation but has a much brighter and uniform appearance.
Blue Zinc Coating
Blue zinc coating is one of the many types of electroplating we can provide here at EC Williams. Zinc plating comes in various forms. But, clear zinc plating has a bright silver/blue appearance which is often referred to as blue zinc coating.
Corrosion Resistant Coatings
Oxidation (colloquially referred to as rust) occurs when steel or iron comes into contact with moisture. These two materials are highly susceptible to oxidation. Furthermore, when components made from the material are left outside, (where they can be exposed to moisture) the formation of rust is almost inevitable. Blue zinc coatings can form as a metallic barrier. This stops the moisture from reaching the actual surface of a component or object.
How Does Zinc Stop Corrosion?
Zinc is able to form corrosion byproducts which can significantly lower the corrosion rate of ferrous metals. These products are the “protective barrier” we refer to when talking about zinc as a surface coating. They are also often referred to as zinc patina.
Zinc Plated Parts
Steel is commonly used for fabricating different components such as nuts, bolts, and fasteners. These steel parts are in use in hundreds of different applications all over the world. Steel is chosen due to its tensile and shear strength. However, the downside to this material is that it can easily rust. Therefore it can eventually jeopardise the component’s performance. Consequently, slowly diminishing the component’s strength and longevity.
One common solution for this, is to use zinc plating on these steel parts. Zinc plating, when applied through electroplating, has great lubricity and an impressive heat resistance. This makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. Electroplating these parts with a blue zinc coating can help parts attain their need for enhanced protection against corrosion, without breaking the bank. Electroplating provides a uniform and attractive finish that lasts for many years.
Contact Us Today | Blue Zinc Coating
Would like to find out more about blue zinc coatings or any of our other electroplating services? Then please get in touch with us today. Explore our website for more information. Or call 0121 236 2524 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
If you have found this blog helpful, you may wish to read our previous blog on The Copper Electroplating Process.