Difference between pre-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized steel?

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Difference between pre-galvanized and

hot-dip galvanized steel?

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I am a site supervision Engineer, I am working for an electrical systems CONSULTANT, Riyadh , KSA.
I am supervising the Electrical construction work of one of the largest in the Gulf Region. Actually I
need some information about one of products which is : The galvanized Switch and Socket Boxes.

My Question is : Some manufacturers use to write " Pre Galvanized switch and socket boxes", Others
used to write "Hot Dip Galvanized switch and socket boxes". What is the difference between the two
type of steel? The answer is very important for me as a consultant.

So, please your prompt Answer to this question along with any other information about steel types are
highly appreciated.

Abdul Rahman baalbaki

electrical systems - Riyadh, KSA

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In answer to your question, they may both be hot dip galvanized. The difference is probably whether
the material was galvanized before or after fabrication. Most boxes are made from sheet that has
been "mill galvanized", which means the coil manufacturer galvanized the sheet on a continuous line.
This coating is generally very thin (.5 - 1.5 mils)and during the fabrication by the box manufacturer,
any cut edges will be left exposed. Also, any welds will damage the initial coating.

A box galvanized after fabrication will usually have at least twice the coating thickness,and any
evidence of fabrication should have the benefit of being coated. And yes, is is usually much cheaper
to build a box out of pre galvanized steel.

David Jaye
Houston, Texas

http://www.finishing.com/347/89.shtml[4/18/2012 11:19:45 AM]

Difference between pre-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized steel?

January 4, 2010

I am pretty new to this area, but would like to get to know some more details about 'pre-galvanized'
and 'Hot Dip Galvanized' steel.
Is there any way we can figure out the two types by looking at the surface? Or by touching the
surface? Is there a difference in color or the way the surface is formed?

I would really appreciate if you can reply ASAP. Thanks in advance.

Vindya Wipulaguna
- Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka

January , 2010

Hi, Vindya. The distinction relates to whether holes were drilled or edges sheared after galvanizing. If
the component has no holes or sheared edges you can't tell the difference because there is no
difference (although David Jaye is probably right that the thickness of galvanizing on fabricated
components is probably heavier than on plain sheet). But if edges are sheared or holes are drilled
after galvanizing, there will be exposed steel.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.

finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

January 21, 2010

It is very easy to tell the difference between fabrications made from pre galvanized steel and those
which are hot dipped after fabrication. The edge finish and weld appearance are some of the obvious
ways as already mentioned. In my experience post fabrication hot dipping produces a less consistent
finish, tends to contain inclusions leaving the surface rough in places and will leave drip marks and
build up in areas where the molten zinc cannot fully drain.

Post fabrication galvanizing will provide superior corrosion protection as the minimum thickness of
zinc will most likely exceed that which you will find on pre galvanized material. The downside is that if
a high quality aesthetic finish is required (powder coated or wet painted) a significant amount of
surface finishing may be required prior to painting. It's worth noting that in the case of pre galvanized
sheet, the exposed edges left after cutting/punching still remain protected from corrosion. I can't
explain the science behind this but I have experience of this working over many years of outdoor
exposure.

Richard Lyons
- Ireland

http://www.finishing.com/347/89.shtml[4/18/2012 11:19:45 AM]

Difference between pre-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized steel?

January 21, 2010

Thanks, Richard, that was helpful. The exposed edges are protected from corrosion in the same way
that a zinc anode protects the steel hull of a ship.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.

finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

February 7, 2010

Thanks a lot to both of you,Ted and Richard. This was very helpful.

Regards,

Vindya Wipulaguna
- Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka

April 21, 2010

The difference is very obvious by naked eyes.

just see once keeping side by side.

Akif Qadeer
- Mumbai, MH , India

December 7, 2010

pregalvanized method : once the sheet metal plated in the continuous galvanizing (melted zinc) bath,
before fabrication, the plating thickness will be minimum 12 µm , and the materials plated by this way
will be protected against corrosion on cut surfaces due to the cathodic effect between zinc and iron
(steel) it's valid and effective up to 2 mm thickness.

hot dip galvanization method : this method is the process of plating the sheet steel materials by
dipping into zinc melt after fabrications, plating thickness by this method will reach minimum up to 45
micron/m.

thanks

Mahmoud Abu Al Ata

- Istanbul, Turkey

February 28, 2012

Thanks all of you guys, it help a lot to my review/design works in Cable Trays/Ladders.

http://www.finishing.com/347/89.shtml[4/18/2012 11:19:45 AM]

Difference between pre-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized steel?

Wilfredo H. Meneses
- Doha, Qatar

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