Materials Suitable for Galvanizing -

Most iron-containing (ferrous) materials are suitable for hot­dip galvanizing. Plain carbon steel (under 150 ksi/llOO MPa) and low alloy materials, hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, cast steel, ductile iron, cast iron, castings, stainless steel, and even weathering steel can be and are galvanized for enhanced corrosion protection. However, the material's chemical composition influences the characteristics of the galvanized coating. During galvanizing, the iron in the material reacts with the molten zinc to form a series of zinc-iron alloy layers, which are covered by a layer of iron-free zinc. For most hot-r

olled steels, the zinc-iron alloy portion of the coating will represent 50-70% of the total coating thickness, with the free zinc outer layer accounting for the balance (Figure 1).

Steel compositions vary depending on strength and service requirements. Trace elements in the steel (silicon, phosphorus) affect the galvanizing process as well as the structure and appearance of the galvanized coating. Steels with these elements outside of the recommended ranges are known in the galvanizing industry as highly reactive steel, and may produce a coating composed entirely, or almost entirely, of zinc-iron alloy layers (Figure 2).

Communication among Design Engineer, Architect, Fabricator, & Galvanizer

Corrosion protection begins at the drawing board, and regardless of what protection system is specified, it must be factored into the product's design. Similarly, all corrosion protection systems require certain design details and proper planning to ensure the highest quality coating. For hot-dip galvanizing, a total immersion process in molten zinc, the design engineer will want to ensure all pieces are fabricated suitably for the process. Most design principles necessary for success throughout the galvanizing process are easily and readily followed, and in most cases, ensure maximum corrosion protection. Incorporating these design practices along with those listed in ASTM A 385 Practice for Providing High Quality Zinc Coatings (Hot-Dip), will not only produce optimum quality galvanized coatings, but also help reduce costs and improve turnaround times.

One key to providing the best design for the hot-dip galvanizing process is communication between the architect, engineer, fabricator and galvanizer. Opening the lines of communication early in the design process can eliminate potential costly pitfalls later in the process. A few discussion topics good to cover while the project is being designed include:

• Steel Chemistry and Surface Condition

• Size & Shape

• Process Temperature/Heat

• Venting & Drainage

• Welding

• Threaded Parts/Connections

• Post Galvanizing Design/Use

Understanding these aspects of the galvanizing process and how they can affect the coating and finished product's outcome will help ensure everyone's expectations are met.

Introduction - To Hot Dip Galvanizing

Hot Dip Galvanizing

The galvanizing process has existed for more than 250 years and has been a mainstay of North American industry since the 1890s. Galvanizing is used throughout various markets to provide steel with unmatched protection from the ravages of corrosion. A wide range of steel products ­from nails to highway guardrail to the Brooklyn Bridge's suspension wires to NASA's launch pad sound-suppression system - benefit from galvanizing's superior corrosion protection properties.

The uses of hot-dip galvanized steel continue to evolve, and new markets are emerging all the time. As with all materials and coatings, there are certain practices which yield better quality finished products. In order to meet the expectations and demands of many different markets, it is important to be cognizant of these best design practices for steel to be galvanized. Often no or only minor adjustments to the design are necessary, and worth the extra time and/or effort up front to alleviate certain future headaches related to the utilization of other coating systems.

Hubbell wins award for environmental energy project

Hubbell Galvanizing has won the top award for Electrical, Utility and Communications projects from the American Galvanizers Association for its work with Optiwind Inc. on a wind turbine project in Torrington, Conn.

The Klug Hill Farm windmill was designed to support the green movement, reduce cost and increase efficiency for Connecticut Light and Power. Optiwind designers wanted to create a sustainable, affordable, environmentally conscious way to generate electricity from wind for smaller markets.

The hot-dip galvanized steel that Hubbell provided throughout the structure helps the project achieve all of these goals. The structure is made entirely of galvanized steel, using infinitely recyclable zinc to protect it. The unbeatable corrosion protection means less energy or materials will be spent on routine maintenance.

Optiwind engineers briefly considered painting the structure, but realized the maintenance cost was too high. Hot-dip galvanized steel's cathodic protection is the perfect marriage of economic and environmental goals. We needed good communications to make all 100 tons of steel work. Many connection points required very tight tolerances, and we had to mask many of the movable parts. We made sure Optiwind's engineers knew what to expect from the hot-dip galvanizing process, and made modifications to ensure success.

This project breaks new ground, allowing small institutions to use wind generators for electricity. And hot-dip galvanized steel is an essential part of its success. The long-lasting, no-maintenance, and sustainable nature of galvanized steel is a crucial element of any affordable, environmentally friendly project.

We needed good communications to make all 100 tons of steel work. Many connection points required very tight tolerances, and we had to mask many of the movable parts. We made sure Optiwind's engineers knew what to expect from the hot-dip galvanizing process, and made modifications to ensure success.

This project breaks new ground, allowing small institutions to use wind generators for electricity. And hot-dip galvanized steel is an essential part of its success. The long-lasting, no-maintenance, and sustainable nature of galvanized steel is a crucial element of any affordable, environmentally friendly project

Hubbell regrets loss of Dan Hubbell

Dan Hubbell, President of Hubbell Galvanizing, died Feb. 5 in a snowmobile accident. It’s a painful loss for us, but Hubbell Galvanizing will continue in the family as his sister takes control of the company.

Dan was an avid outdoorsman, so we know he died doing something he loved. And he was a master galvanizer and solid businessman. He helped Hubbell grow and evolve over the decades, and was proud of its achievements. And we’ll always be proud of him.

The name at the top of the letterhead may change, but the commitment to quality that has marked Hubbell Galvanizing since Orville Hubbell founded it in 1925 won’t. Orville wouldn’t have us skimp on quality; neither would Dan.

And we won’t.

Welcome to our website

Welcome to our website. We’ve re-designed it to be easier to use, more informative, and more illustrative of the quality Hubbell Galvanizing strives for – be it hot-dip galvanizing, Galvagrit™ or any of other products and services.

On this site, you’ll find:

• Photo galleries of some of our projects, to show you what we can do with galvanized steel or aluminum.
  
• The full design and specifications to make incorporating Hubbell galvanizing into your project easier
  
• An easy to use form to request a quote
  
• The testimonials and case studies, because you don’t have to take our word for it.
  

So take a look around; tell us what you think. Because we treat our website like the metal we work with: We can’t let it rust.