Surface Finishes Flashcards
Galvanising
Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron in order to prevent premature rust and corrosion.
Galvanising advantages (4)
Less maintenance/Lowest long term cost.
Long life expectancy.
Outstanding resistance to mechanical damage.
No lost time in surface preparation, painting and inspection.
Galvanising disadvantages (2)
Other methods which may be more effective in different circumstances
Costs
Galvanising Uses (3)
Galvanised steel is available in a variety of forms, such as galvanised pipes and galvanised wire.
Galvanised steel frames are used to build houses.
Car parts are made out of this type of steel (for example, the body parts of trucks and buses).
When to use galvanising
• construct or repair steel structures, for example, benefit from lower maintenance and repair costs because of its special properties.
Galvanising process
The true galvanising phase of the process consists of completely immersing the steel in a minimum 98% pure zinc bath. The bath temperature is maintained at 815 F (435 C) or higher. The steel is lowered at an angle by crane hoist. This allows air to escape from tubular shapes or pockets that may be within the design of a fabricated piece and of course permits the molten zinc to displace the air.
Powder coating
cover (an object) with a polyester or epoxy powder, which is then heated to fuse into a protective layer.
Powder coating stage 1
Ensure all rust/corrosion is removed from the part, then degrease, note use a lint free cloth as the fibres can adhere to the part and leave imperfections on the cured part. Allow the part to dry fully prior to applying powder. At this point mask off any threads or areas not requiring covering with powder.
Powder coating stage 2
Hang the part on a hook and attach the earth clamp in a discrete area. Note without a good earth to the part you will never get good coverage or efficient use of powder.
Powder coating stage 3
Screw the flow screw to closed position (clockwise) then while aiming the gun tip away from the part pull the gun trigger fully, gradually unscrew the flow screw so the powder exits the tip of the gun as a gentle cloud, eventually experience will determine the size of the cloud.
Powder coating stage 4
Aim the gun at the part to be coated approx 200mm away, depress the pedal and keep it depressed (green light comes on) then apply the powder by pressing the gun trigger, ensure all of the part is fully coated. Note coat all internal corners first as it will be harder to get full coverage if left till last.
Powder coating stage 5
Unclip the earth lead and without depressing the pedal, spray the powder over the area where the earth clamp was positioned to provide full coverage
Powder coating stage 6
Finally inspect the part for imperfections and full coverage, then transfer the coated part on the hook to the oven (or other heat source) taking care not to rub the powder off.
Powder coating stage 7
Cure the part by achieving a surface temperature of 180 deg c then letting it cure for a further 10 minutes (for some powders this will vary up to 200 deg c for 15 min’s) As a tip, the surface of the part will be at the correct temp when it fully glosses over.
Powder coating stage 8
When the part has fully cured in the oven let it cool down and it is then ready for use. Note if you have any masked areas remove the tape when still warm as it is much easier
Powder coating advantages (4)
Long lasting, durable finish
Large range of colour options
Cheap
Environmental friendly
Powder coating disadvantages (3)
High start up costs
Little control over smoothness
Hard to get thin coating- layers
Powder coating uses (4)
Appliances e.g. dishwasher, air conditioner,
Cars/car parts
Buildings e.g. posts, fencing
Everyday products
Anodising advantages (5)
It’s a very thin coating compared to paints and powders.
Extremely durable, hard, abrasion resistant and long lasting. The coating does not peel or chip. Much harder surface than paint and powders.
Lasts indefinitely.
Environmentally friendly finish. Can easily be recycled.
Inexpensive compared to painting and powder coating.