Galvanization or specifically, hot-dip galvanization is the process of coating steel in a layer of zinc. This is done in order to protect the metal from corrosion. Galvanized steel mesh is an effective alternative for stainless steel. Stainless steel can be quite costly and people who cannot afford it turn to the next best thing: Galvanized steel.
You can easily determine whether a metal is galvanized because it has crystallization patterns called spangles in its surface. Galvanization was first conducted by Luigi Galvani, hence the term ‘galvanization’ in honor of the inventor. While experimenting with frog legs, Luigi discovered the electrochemical processes taking place in metals. This happened in 1772. His discovery was furthered by many other scientific minds like Alessandro Volta and Michael Faraday. From then on, Galvanization continued to develop and in this time and age, it is safe to say that all the developments done have resulted in a positive outcome.
In this modern age, Galvanizing has become a part of almost every major industry and application as long as it involves metallurgy. Galvanization has proven itself to the world that’s why it has many different applications.
Now if you are wondering as to why would there be a need for Galvanization? The answer is just a 9-letter word: C-O-R-R-O-S-I-O-N.
Corrosion is the mother of all problems for a metal. Almost every metal is susceptible to corrosion. When a metal corrodes, the properties that make it solid and whole weaken until it has succumbed to the decay. Many iron and steel manufacturing industries are looking for ways to prevent this. One such way is Galvanization. Galvanization is not that costly because it can last for a lifetime without having any need for maintenance. It is a more cost efficient alternative for stainless steel. It is also self healing; the zinc will continue to protect the steel through galvanized corrosion, meaning the coating will corrode before the metal, covering it once more.
In this age, Galvanization is more evident than it ever was. When you’re walking in the street, try to look at lamp posts. You can tell if it is made with galvanized steel. How about the roofing in your house? Or the pathway you’re walking on? Galvanization is evident even in your house. You can spot materials that are galvanized like fences and duct covers.
Galvanization is also present in the world of wire meshes. Galvanized steel meshes provide good corrosion resistance. They can be used as chain-link fences which are very durable. They can be turned into woven sheets or even a plain wire mesh. Galvanized steel meshes are not hard to come by if you’re looking to purchase one. You can easily find companies who manufacture and sell them in the internet. Take note of the quality thought, some companies have poor manufacturing abilities making their products inefficient and poor in quality.