What Is ZAM Coating?

ZAM (zinc-aluminum-magnesium) coating is a ternary alloy coating. Its main composition is zinc, 11% aluminum, 3% magnesium, and a small amount of silicon. ZAM coating has excellent resistance to red rust and self-healing corrosion resistance in the shear section and also has far better welding performance than ZAM steel sheets.
ZAM products solve the shortcomings of ordinary coated steel parts that can not effectively protect against shear fractures, leakage points, coating damage, and other positions, and can be said to be one of the coated steel parts closest to stainless steel in comprehensive performance. The self-healing effect of the cutting section is a significant feature of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum.

 Characteristics Of ZAM Coating

Compared with traditional coatings such as hot dip galvanizing, galvanized aluminum, and zinc-iron alloy, zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating has better corrosion resistance.

1. Because the zn-al-Mg alloy coating is relatively thin and dense, it is not easy to flake the coating

2. Corrosion products will flow around the incision, so the protection of the incision and defect is better

3. It also has good corrosion resistance in some harsh corrosive environments (such as animal husbandry, coastal areas, etc.)

4. It can replace some of the less demanding stainless steel, or the application scenarios such as galvanized after processing, which can simplify the user’s processing process

Application of ZAM Products

1. Highway: Zinc aluminum magnesium steel sheets can produce highway guardrail plates.

2. Home appliances: Air conditioners, washing machines, microwave ovens, and other home appliances have high corrosion resistance requirements, and zinc aluminum magnesium rolls can be used to produce home appliance shells.

3. Color-coated steel sheets: ZAM products for the substrate color-coated steel sheets, corrosion resistance is stronger. And low energy consumption, zinc consumption is reduced by 1/3 compared to galvanized products, widely used in construction and home appliances.

4. Photovoltaic power generation panel: Given the harsh environment of deserts, beaches, Gobi, and other areas where photovoltaic power stations are located, hot base zinc aluminum magnesium materials with excellent corrosion resistance are widely used in the production of photovoltaic supports.

Comparison Between Zinc Coating, Alu-zinc Coating, And ZAM Coating

Zinc coating

It is a metal coating with a zinc content of not less than 99%, is an economical anti-corrosion coating; Divided into zinc and non-zinc galvanized steel, both corrosion resistance is almost the same. If the a subsequent need to spray or paint, zinc-free products will be more beautiful; The thick zinc layer products are usually dominated by flowers.

Aluminum-zinc coating

This alloy is composed of 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc, and the balance silicon. Its aluminum-zinc coating offers 2-6 times the corrosion resistance of pure zinc. The surface can be processed to create a beautiful, uniform zinc spangle, suitable for direct use in building exteriors or home appliances. However, it also has drawbacks: its weldability is inferior to that of pure zinc, requiring minimal welding during use. Its protection against steel cuts is far inferior to pure zinc, and even inferior to zinc-aluminum-magnesium coatings.

ZAM coating

This alloy metal exhibits excellent overall performance. While its manufacturing cost is slightly higher than that of aluminum-zinc coatings, its corrosion resistance far surpasses that of pure zinc and aluminum-zinc alloys. It offers outstanding protection for steel cuts and weldability comparable to pure zinc steel. As material requirements increase across various industries, zinc-aluminum-magnesium coated steel may gradually replace aluminum-zinc coated steel in market applications.

Corrosion Comparison

Coating types	14 days	28 days	42 days
ZAM coating
Zinc coating

ZAM Steel Price

ZAM steel is generally more expensive than galvanized and zinc-aluminum coated steel. Because the coating contains multiple alloying elements, the manufacturing process is complex and costs increase. However, it offers superior corrosion resistance and longevity, making it commonly used in high-end construction and engineering projects.

How To Purchase ZAM Products?

1. Finding Suppliers

You can find suppliers selling ZAM steel through steel industry websites, e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, and social media. You can also purchase directly from their official websites, as these companies generally offer better quality assurance. You can also visit local steel markets and find vendors selling ZAM steel to gain a more intuitive understanding of the product.

2. Determining Requirements and Selecting the Steel

Identify the intended use of the ZAM steel, whether it’s for construction, machinery manufacturing, or other applications. Different applications require different performance and specifications for the steel. Determine the steel specifications, such as thickness, width, length, and type, based on the actual project or production requirements. Refer to the design drawings or consult our technical staff.

3. Consultation and Quotation

Consult the selected supplier for information on ZAM steel, including product performance, price, inventory availability, and delivery times. Compare quotations and services offered by different suppliers, and select the supplier with the best value for money while ensuring quality.

4. Ordering and Delivery

After selecting a supplier, sign a purchase contract based on the agreed terms. The contract should specify product specifications, quantity, price, quality standards, delivery method, and payment terms. Pay the purchase price according to the payment method agreed in the contract, and then wait for delivery at the agreed time and method. Be careful to check the packaging, quantity, and specifications of the goods to ensure they conform to the contract.

Precautions

1. Pay attention to steel quality

Require the supplier to provide steel that meets national standards and industry specifications. Inspect the steel surface for visible cracks, holes, rust, and other defects. The packaging should be intact, and the labeling should be clear, indicating the steel’s specifications, material, manufacturer, and other information.

2. Understand market trends

Steel prices fluctuate significantly due to factors such as raw material costs and market supply and demand. Monitor industry reports, financial news, and professional steel price indices to understand market trends and choose the right time to purchase, avoiding purchases at high prices.

3. Emphasis on after-sales service

Inform yourself about the supplier’s after-sales service offerings, such as how to return or exchange products if there are quality issues and whether they provide technical support. Good after-sales service can reduce subsequent hassles.

Wanzhi Steel ZAM Steel Production Line

This is a video showing the production, quality inspection, and packaging of our color-coated ZAM steel coils. Please enjoy.

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