Size & Shape

Size and shape of the fabrication is an important consideration to make, during the design process for parts to be galvanized.  Because hot-dip galvanizing is a total immersion process, the design must take into consideration the capacity of the galvanizing kettle; therefore, it is wise to verify kettle constraints with your galvanizer early in the design process.  Almost any component can be galvanized by designing and fabricating in pieces suitable for available galvanizing facilities.  Parts can also be progressively dipped by the galvanizer, to accomodate larger sizes and abnormal shapes.  For reference, the average kettle length in North America is 40 feet (13m), and there are many kettles between 50-60 feet (15.24 m - 18.28 m).

If you have any design questions relating to galvanizing, please give us a call: Hubbell Galvanizing 1-800-244-4258 (315) 736-8311 info@whyrust.com http://www.whyrust.com

Can Castings be Galvanized?

High-quality castings and forged parts are commonly and successfully galvanized. The quality of the galvanizing is strongly influenced by the quality of the casting.  As with all steel to be galvanized, cleanliness is very important to achieve completely galvanized cast iron or steel parts.  However, conventional cleaning processes employed by galvanizers do not always adequately clean castings.  This is because sand and other surface inclusions are not removed by chemical cleaning.  Thorough abrasive cleaning is the most effective method for removing foundry sand and impurities.  In fact, the preferred way to clean the casting is by abrasive blasting (either grit-blasting or a combination of grit and shot). Cleaning is traditionally performed at the foundry before shipment to the galvanizer.  However, some galvanizers are able to perform abrasive blasting at their facilities - check with your galvanizer before sending your parts.  

Sound, stress-free castings with good surface finishes will produce high-quality galvanized coatings. The following design and preparation rules should be applied for castings to be galvanized:

· Avoid sharp corners and deep recesses

·  Use large pattern numerals and generous radii to facilitate abrasive cleaning

· Specify uniform wall sections. Non-uniform wall thickness in certain casting designs may lead to distortion and/or cracking. Cracking results from stress developed as the temperature of the casting is increased during galvanizing. Uniform wall sections and a balanced design lowers stress.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this or any other galvanizing topic, please don't hesitate to contact us:

Hubbell Galvanizing

1-800-244-4258

(315) 736-8311

info@whyrust.com