How many types of galvanized steel are there?

Carbon There is more than one way to classify galvanized steel. I will not go into detail about galvanized steel. This article mainly talks about the types of galvanized steel.

It can be classified differently according to its production method, processing method, material composition, and performance characteristics.

1. Classification by production method

Although the galvanized sheets we see have almost the same surface and are smooth, bright, and durable, there are many processing methods for them. According to the process, they are divided into the following 5 categories.

(1)Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet

Put the steel sheet in molten zinc liquid and immerse it in zinc. The zinc layer is thick enough, so it has strong corrosion resistance.

(2)Alloy galvanized steel sheet

It is also hot-dip galvanized, but the difference is that it is immediately heated to 500℃ after leaving the zinc tank to form a zinc-iron alloy film. Therefore, its coating adhesion and weldability are strong.

(3)Electrogalvanized steel sheet

Chemical reaction galvanizing uses the principle of electrolysis to galvanize the steel sheet. However, the zinc layer is thinner, and its corrosion resistance and service life are not as good as hot-dip galvanizing.

(4)Single-sided galvanized and double-sided differentially galvanized steel sheets

Single-sided galvanizing means galvanizing only on one side; double-sided differentially galvanizing means applying a thin layer of zinc on the other side, and there is a difference in the thickness of the zinc layer on both sides of the steel.

(5)Alloy and composite galvanized steel sheets

Made of zinc and other metals (such as aluminum, lead, etc.), or even composite galvanized steel sheets. Its zinc layer is not simply a zinc element. Therefore, its characteristics are high coating performance and excellent rust resistance.

2. Classification by material composition

Material refers to the base material of galvanized steel. Different base materials will also affect its performance and application. The main base materials are:

(1)Carbon steel

It refers to steel with no artificial alloying elements except C. Of course, C is also controlled to a certain extent. The hardness is greater than that of pure iron. Generally, it has no corrosion resistance.

(2)Stainless steel

Commonly known as white iron, it has a high chromium content (usually 12~30%). It also contains nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, manganese, tungsten, and other elements.

Its chemical composition is essentially different from galvanized steel. It has the strongest rust resistance, far greater than galvanized steel.

(3)Alloy steel

It contains one or more other elements besides carbon, such as chromium, molybdenum, nickel, copper, manganese, tungsten, etc. In steelmaking, different combinations of these elements form alloy steels with different properties. It has special properties and is more wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant than carbon steel.

The different carbon content of these base materials, such as stainless steel and base materials, will affect the mechanical properties, weldability, corrosion resistance, and other properties of the plated parts. In addition to steel, metals such as copper and aluminum can also be galvanized.

The following table shows the characteristics and uses of different carbon steel grades:

Material	Features	Applications
Q295	1. Good plasticity, toughness 2. Cold bending ability, weldability, and corrosion resistance 3. But low strength	Building structures, industrial plants, low-pressure boilers, low and medium-pressure chemical containers, oil tanks, pipelines, cranes, tractors, etc.
Q345	1. Good weldability, cold and hot workability 2. Super corrosion resistance. 3. Grades C, D, and E have good low-temperature toughness	They are widely used in ships, boilers, pressure vessels, oil storage tanks, bridges, power plant equipment, air blowers, lifting and transporting machinery, and other high-load welded components, etc.
Q420	1. High strength 2. Good welding performance 3. And great low-temperature impact toughness	Large ships, bridges, power station equipment, medium and high-pressure boilers, high-pressure vessels, vehicles, lifting machinery, mining machinery and large welded components, etc.
Q460	1. High strength 2. High comprehensive mechanical properties 3. Grades C, D, and E have good toughness	Used for various large engineering structures and light structures requiring high strength and large load

3. Classification by use

(1) Industrial steel

Construction steel can usually be divided into steel for steel structures and steel for reinforced concrete structures. Steel for steel structures mainly includes ordinary carbon structural steel and low alloy structural steel. Varieties include section steel, steel pipe, and steel bar. Section steel includes angle steel, I-beam, and channel steel.

(2) Decorative steel

Galvanized steel generally used for decoration, handicrafts, and sculptures is mostly made of galvanized wire mesh, galvanized iron wire, galvanized grille, and galvanized perforated mesh.

Because these scenes generally do not involve load-bearing, huge impact, stretching and torsion, high heat and humidity, etc., the most commonly used process is electro-galvanizing, which is more economical.

(3) Agriculture, roads, vehicles, boats, and electricity

These fields mostly require outdoor galvanized steel, especially in the field of vehicles and ships, which may wade in the water.

Therefore, a hot-dip galvanizing process is required, and the coating thickness is selected according to the environment. It will not fade even if it is washed by wind, snow, and rain.

4. Other classification methods

In addition to the above classification methods, galvanized steel sheets can also be classified according to the quality of the zinc layer (such as the size of the zinc flower and the thickness of the zinc layer), and specific performance requirements (such as fingerprint resistance, corrosion resistance, processability, etc.).

Summary

When you choose galvanized steel, if you don’t have rich professional knowledge, it is best to consult the steel factory staff. China’s Wanzhi Steel is China’s gold medal manufacturer.

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Even if you don’t know which steel to choose and how thick the zinc layer is, please don’t worry. I believe our expertise will solve your problems. We aim to serve every customer wholeheartedly. Your satisfaction is the greatest recognition for us. Welcome to contact us.